East Bengal FC, one of the renowned ‘Kolkata Giants’ with the largest fan base in Asia for an Indian club, is in a state of total despair. The club lost 13 out of 20 matches in the recently concluded Indian Super League and finished ninth out of eleven teams. But the club is not giving up yet.
Here’s how East Bengal FC is planning to revive itself and rise again in the Indian football ranks:
- Finding a New Coach: East Bengal has opted to focus on finding a coach before signing players. Emami, the club’s controlling body, has reportedly raised the budget to ₹30 crores for next season, which is ₹8 crore more than last season.
- Going All Out for Sergio Lobera: Emami has said to the club that if they can bring another ₹10+ crore, they’ll go all out for Sergio Lobera, who has offers from Odisha FC and Hyderabad FC as well. Lobera has submitted a list of players he wants to the club officials, but most of them are contracted to other clubs and will require a significant amount to get their signatures.
- Negotiating with Josep Gombau: While waiting for Lobera’s decision, Emami is negotiating with players recommended by Josep Gombau, who is still in Kolkata and has been shifted to three different hotels over the past few days.
- Resolving Teething Troubles: East Bengal FC officials and Emami members are said to be facing teething troubles, particularly with respect to funds to sign up top players for the club. East Bengal FC officials want more cash to acquire better players, but Emami is not keen to splurge. Club insiders say Emami has developed cold feet over funding East Bengal. Still, Emami officials claim they are committed to ensuring a better performance in the next ISL.
- Winning Back Fans: East Bengal’s spate of defeat has made its fans forget its iconic 5-0 victory over Mohun Bagan in 1975 in the finals of the IFA Shield in Kolkata. The club has lost all of its last eight Kolkata Derby clashes against arch-rivals, ATK Mohun Bagan. Fans are frustrated, and some have boycotted matches, protesting against the club’s management.
- Understanding the New Economics of Football: Many feel East Bengal’s legacy members don’t understand the new economics of football. If a company is investing cash, it is not investing to kill the product but to make it bigger and better. Emami officials have privately lamented how they have been treated badly by club officials. The Emami group does not have space in the club tent near Eden Gardens, which is a blow to Emami’s prestige.
East Bengal FC: Reviving India’s Real Madrid
East Bengal FC has a rich legacy and passionate fans, but it needs to understand the new economics of football, resolve its teething troubles with Emami, and win back fans to rise again in the Indian football ranks. Perform or perish – that’s the only way for the 102-year-old club now!
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