KOLKATA: With reinforcements in key positions and Pep Guardiola ’s blessings, East Bengal FC are looking to fight for more trophies and strive to scale new heights this season. The team, backed by investor Emami Group , has roped in Greek striker and Golden Boot winner of last ISL season Dimitrios Diamantakos as well as French playmaker Madih Talal, who had the most assists (10) in the league. India midfielder Jeakson Singh has also joined Cuadrat’s team on a four-year contract.
“In my 7 years in Indian football, this is certainly one of the best squads. Of course, we’ll be under pressure (of rising to expectations), but football is about being under such pressure and accepting the challenges,” coach Carles Cuadrat said during the unveiling of his players at the investor’s office in the city on Monday. The Spanish coach also believed that his team would be more proactive and attacking this season.
“Last season, the depth of the squad was not enough to be competitive. So, it was kind of a surprise when we reached the Durand final and won the Super Cup. But it won’t be a surprise if we make the final of a competition this time around.
Last season, it was more about protecting a goal and winning points. But now we have options and we are going to be more offensive and aggressive this season,” Cuadrat pointed out. Last month East Bengal’s assistant coach Dimas Delgado met Pep Guardiola on the occasion of a reunion that was held on the occasion of the current Manchester City manager’s 16th year anniversary of his first title.
Delgado was part of the Barcelona B team in 2007-2008 which was managed by Guardiola before he took charge of the senior team. “Since he’s from City, Mumbai City had come up for discussion as the Premier League club has a tie-up with the ISL team, But we also talked about our project at East Bengal and he wished us luck for the new season,” Delgado said. Speaking on the occasion, Emami director Aditya Agarwal also hoped to see a different East Bengal.
“Keeping the long season in mind, we have tried to forge a squad that can challenge for multiple titles,” he said. Cuadrat’s brigade will launch their season with the Durand Cup clash against IAF team on July 29. Mohun Bagan SG on Monday announced the signing of Australian striker Jamie MacLaren.
The 31-year-old will be the third Australian in the Jose Molina-managed squad after World Cuppers Dimitri Petratos and Jason Cummings. I’ve had the luxury of playing alongside and against both (Petratos and Cummings). Dimi is a creator, a player who’s very brave on the ball and chooses the the right pass for his strikers.
.. About Jase, well he’s a left-footed version of myself and we both played for Hibernian and we love being inside the penalty box like any No.
9,” MacLaren, a five-time A-League top scorer, said in a statement, issued by the city club..
