It has been over four years and six months since East Bengal last won the Kolkata Derby against fierce rival Mohun Bagan. However, with a new coach and a completely new team at the helm, East Bengal will seek to adopt a fresh approach in Saturday’s much-anticipated Durand Cup showdown against Mohun Bagan.
Carles Cuadrat represents a new glimmer of hope for the red-and-golds. East Bengal finished eighth in its first season in the ISL. In addition, it finished last in the 11-team table in 2021-22, winning just one of 20 matches. finished ninth again in the previous season, with six victories from 20 games.
The Spaniard is completely conscious of the magnitude of his mission. With players like Cleiton Silva and Javier Siverio up front, he has put together a solid team that has fans feeling hopeful again.
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“Supporters are great and supporting us throughout. We know how excited are they. I just want to tell them we are also working hard. We have a lot to give to them,” said Cuadrat fuelling their hope.
Back on January 27, 2019, East Bengal defeated Mohun Bagan in the I-League, winning 2-0. Since then, Mohun Bagan has gone on an eight-match winning streak and has only drawn once in all competitions with East Bengal.
” We are trying to create something with new players, trying to change the dynamics of the club. Based on the experience of my colleagues in ISL, it takes two to three years to succeed.” he added.
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According to the numbers, Mohun Bagan, the current ISL champion, is the favourite to keep its streak in Kolkata Derby. Cuardat will have a chance because the star-studded side hasn’t yet emerged on its own.
In the Durand Cup opening, Mohun Bagan had a young team that defeated a careless Bangladesh Army FT 5-0. However, despite winning 2-0 against I-League champion Punjab FC, it seemed rusty. The first goal was a gifted own goal by Punjab, but Mohun Bagan took 48 minutes to score.
“We know it’s a team with a lot of power, won last year’s (ISL) title and they are preparing for the AFC Cup. But we have a new team with some promising players,” Cuadrat said.
Mohun Bagan has six points after two games, and a victory will guarantee their spot in the tournament’s quarterfinals. On the other hand, East Bengal only had one point after drawing with the Bangladesh Army FT. The final eight are made up of two best runners-up and six group winners.
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