East Bengal part ways with head coach Stephen Constantine

The former Indian national team head coach took control of the ISL club with high hopes.

Indian Super League outfit East Bengal have announced the departure of Stephen Constantine from the club after the conclusion of the 2022-23 season. The head coach returned to Indian football after agreeing to take over the club’s reigns from Mario Rivera Campesino.

Stephen Constantine had the arduous task of elevating East Bengal FC into league contenders or qualifying for the playoffs, at the very least. As the Englishman could not deliver ISL playoffs qualification, the club decided to part ways with him. 

Interestingly, the move does not come as a surprise. East Bengal FC announced in March 2023 that the head coach would not continue past the 2022-23 season. The club will now appoint a new head coach whose job will be to recruit smartly and make the Red & Gold Brigade into title challengers.

The club announced the departure with a wholesome post on social media, thanking Constantine for services to the club during the past season and wishing him the best for the road ahead.

East Bengal's 2022-23 season

East Bengal FC finished the 2021-22 season in 11th place, at the bottom of the Indian Super League with only one win in 20 fixtures. That made Stephen Constantine’s job even tougher as the expectations from the fans were high. In a disappointing manner, the Red & Gold Brigade finished the 2022-23 ISL season in ninth position after a promising start.

Under Stephen Constantine’s leadership, EBFC managed six wins, one draw, and 13 defeats in 20 matches. Despite the availability of six playoff spots, it was a disappointing end to the season for the fans who were expecting a playoff qualification for the first time in the ISL. 

Due to contractual issues between the investors and the club, the preparation for the 2022-23 season was late. East Bengal FC could not sign players until very late in the transfer window due to the transfer ban on the club by the AIFF. The tactician was also unhappy with some of the scheduling and timing of the cup competition.