Kolkata : East Bengal lost home 2-3 against FC Goa on September 27 owing to a hattrick of Borja Herrera. This was 3rd consecutive loss of East Bengal in ISL 2024-25. The East Bengal fans therefore, took out their frustration towards East Bengal Coach Carles Cuadrat hurling ‘Go Back’ slogans.
What happened in the Match?
FC Goa breached through the defense of East Bengal, scoring quick 2 goals in 1st half and 1 in 2nd half, all by Borja Herrera. Despite East Bengal scoring 2 goals, they couldn’t save the match.
Despite building a good team with strong signings, East Bengal recorded their 3rd consecutive loss and therefore got pushed down to number 12 in the ISL points table.
East Bengal coach Carles Cuadrat added his name to the hall of bloopers, as he became the 1st coach to lose 5 consecutive Match in 104 years of East Bengal coaching staff history.
Fans address ‘Go Back’ Slogans to Carles Cuadrat
The loss and constant poor ISL performances, especially in recent past under Cuadrat took to fans’ rage.
The Red and Yellow brigade fans took out their frustration towards coach Cuadrat and woes, leading to vocal protests in the stands with loudspeaker, mikes, verbal shouts, saying “Go Back”, ” Go Back Cuadrat, Go Back “, addressing stepping down of Coach Cuadrat from his position.
The verbal chants and frustration echoed throughout Salt Lake Stadium as Cuadrat stood in utmost shock.
Carles Cuadrat addresses East Bengal performance and fans’ wrath
In post match conference, Cuadrat not only addressed the team’s performance but also the fans’ chants.
The Spaniard said, “The fans are rightfully angry. They expect better results and we will keep trying”.
East Bengal’s struggles come in stark contrast to the team’s recent AFC Champions League Two qualifiers. Cuadrat remembered that despite a loss to Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr, fans were still supportive, praising the team’s effort and quality of performance.
Cuadrat also mentioned that their ISL campaign has been a different story, with back-to-back defeats leaving fans disillusioned. He acknowledged that the fans have every reason to be upset after three consecutive losses and no points yet to have earned in ISL.
Another key issue that Cuadrat highlighted was lack of understanding, cohesion in the team, as the team is comparatively new. He said, “Many of the players are new. They are still getting to know each other and will take some time for them to gel properly. Thus, urging patience as the team works through these early-season struggles”.
Last year East Bengal finished at number 9 in ISL Points table, they don’t have a good record in all over ISL as well, since they finish consistently at bottom half every season. Moreover, they also got knocked out shockingly in Durand and AFC Champions League 2 Tier as well.
Coach Cuadrat therefore has a lot to answer , under pressure of team’s poor performance and fans’ wrath.
East Bengal is set to face Jamshedpur FC on October 5 , and will search for their 1st win of the season.
