East Bengal FC head coach Carles Cuadrat emphasized the importance of winning and maintaining competitiveness as his team prepares for the 2024-25 season, starting with the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup.
The Red and Gold Brigade recently held a squad unveiling event ahead of the 2024-25 season. The event saw the attendance of all new signings, current squad members, Cuadrat, and his coaching staff.
How old is Carles Cuadrat?
55
During the event, Cuadrat participated in a brief question-and-answer session. The Spaniard, who took charge of the Red and Gold Brigade last season, led them to the finals of both the Durand Cup and the Super Cup in his debut year. As he begins his second season with the Kolkata-based club, Cuadrat is focused on winning trophies across various competitions, including the AFC, ISL, and others.
Carles Cuadrat Reflects on Project Evolution and Squad Strength Ahead of New Season
Reflecting on the changes over the past year, Cuadrat remarked, “A lot of things have been happening. What is clear is that it was the start of a project, and nobody knew what would be the result of the project. The main difference is that now there is hope, there are things to challenge, and there are competitions to try to fight for.”
“I think that one very, very big difference is that last season it was a kind of surprise that the team reached two finals. But this season, if we reach the finals, it won’t be a surprise. This is the good dynamic that we have been working on for the last year, and people are believing. That’s the most important thing,” he explained.
East Bengal FC clinched the Kalinga Super Cup last season and are set to compete in Asian tournaments after a nine-year hiatus. During the ongoing summer transfer window, the Red and Gold Brigade have assembled a strong squad, aiming to surpass last season’s performance.
The Kolkata-based club has signed ISL 2023-24 Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos, ISL 2023-24 top-assist provider Madih Talal, and Durand Cup 2023 Golden Boot winner David Lalhlansanga. They have also retained their core squad from last season. Head coach Carles Cuadrat acknowledged the squad’s versatility and depth, but he is avoiding extra pressure as he focuses on winning silverware this season.
“This is my seventh season in Indian football. I came here in 2016. I have seen lots of situations, lots of games, and lots of players. I can say that it is one of the best squads that I have been managing,” Cuadrat remarked.
“Before also, with Bengaluru FC, we had a champion team that scored lots of goals, got very good results, and won trophies. It’s true that it’s a pleasure to work with so many good players. Of course, we’re going to be under pressure; football is to feel the pressure, and it’s necessary to fight for victories and go for trophies,” he added.
Cuadrat Discusses Tactical Evolution and Balanced Approach for the Upcoming Season
East Bengal FC arguably have a more balanced squad compared to last season, adding an extra dynamic to Cuadrat’s game plan. The Spaniard acknowledged that last season, his team focused heavily on their defensive aspects to build a solid understanding in front of their goal-line and counter the opponents’ attacks. He also expressed his satisfaction with his players for diligently implementing his tactics, resulting in 10 clean sheets throughout the previous season.
Speaking on his game plan and tactics, Cuadrat said,
“I was called set-piece coach when I was at Bengaluru FC. Last season, we didn’t score a lot of goals in set-piece. We, as professionals, know what we do. It’s true that last season, the main thing was to defend well. For a team that was conceding two goals every game, it became difficult to get points. From the seasons before in which East Bengal FC have been participating in the ISL, I remember results like 6-4, 6-5.”
“But this is not my style, for sure. That means you are doing a lot of bad things with your strategies if you concede so many goals. I am happy that the team understands that. There was an incredible effort from the players. We got a total of 10 clean sheets during the season. Not only the goalkeeper but also the whole team is working hard.“
The Spaniard emphasized the importance of having a solid defense and a sharp attack to compete for championships.
Discussing his plans for the upcoming season, he stated, “In the ISL, the teams become champions that protect their goals and are dangerous in attack. And this is the next step.”
“I’m sure that with the variety that we have now with our offensive options, we are going to be more offensive and create more goal-scoring situations. I’m sure about that,” he signed off.
Captain Cleiton Excited About New Forward Partners and Enhanced Team Prospects for the Upcoming Season
East Bengal FC captain Cleiton Silva joined his head coach at the press conference.
Silva has scored 20 goals and provided four assists for East Bengal FC in the ISL. At 37, he is the club’s all-time top goalscorer in the ISL and the longest-serving foreign player since their ISL debut.
The Brazilian forward expressed his enthusiasm for winning every match and is optimistic about achieving better results than last season with the addition of several new players.
“I want to play for a big club, and the expectations are always high (there). These kinds of feelings are right to have. Even though last year, nobody expected us (to win the Super Cup). But you try to win every game. It’s the same decision,” he stated.
“We try to play good games and win games. And I think the possibility of winning games this season will be better than last season,” he addressed.
Silva will now have additional support in the forward line with Diamantakos and Lalhlansanga joining him. Both strikers had impressive seasons last year, each earning the Golden Boot in different competitions.
Reflecting on the prospect of playing alongside such prolific forwards, Silva said, “I am never relaxed. I would like to push myself. We have other players who can play in my position. Because of myself, I try to beat myself every day. With players like these, I am not trying to take over. They can also help me on the pitch, and we all can play together.”
“I can play in different positions, and David (Lalhlansanga) and Dimi (Diamantakos) can play in different positions on the pitch. We all can mix our skills. This is the main target for us,” he further added.
