East Bengal bid farewell to 11 players

East Bengal are currently rejuvenating their side under Carles Cuadrat.

Last season was not a very memorable one for East Bengal. Apart from failing to win any major silverware, the Kolkata giants had to bid farewell to some of their key players. Through their social media page, the club expressed gratitude towards these players for their valuable contributions during their time with the team and services throughout the past season.

The players who have left include Jerry Lalrinzuala, Alex Lima, Charalambos Kyriakou, Semboi Haokip, Sumeet Passi, Jake Jervis, Jordan O’Doherty, Suvam Sen, Naveen Kumar, Amarjit Singh Kiyam and Himanshu Jangra.

11 players part ways

Jerry Lalrinzuala, a left-back from Mizoram, had joined East Bengal on a free transfer from Chennaiyin FC. He was one of East Bengal's few bright spots, making 16 starts and consistently performing well after impressing in the Durand Cup. He played a crucial role in the team's defensive line and was appreciated by the fans. Similarly, Alex Lima, a Brazilian midfielder, had also impressed the fans with his skills, especially during the Derby matches.

Charalambos Kyriakou, the Cypriot defender, had joined East Bengal from Cypriot side Doxa Katokopias FC. He was known for his composure and his ability to distribute the ball with precision. Semboi Haokip and Sumeet Passi, both experienced forwards, had also played important roles in the team's attacking force. While Haokip scored one goal, Passi turned out to be a versatile player who could help in several positions often making him a threat.

Jake Jervis, a British striker, had arrived at the club in January but failed to impress the audience much. Jordan O'Doherty, the Australian midfielder, was another important player who joined the club in the 2022-23 season. His vision and passing ability had often set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Amarjit Singh Kiyam, and Himanshu Jangra, who are young Indian players, had also contributed to the team's success, and their departure will be felt. While Naveen Kumar and Suvam Sen played their role as backup goalkeepers for the club.

Time for rejuvenation

The club keep thanked each of these players for their contributions and wished them the best in their future endeavours. The departure of these players left behind a huge void in the team. However, the club is looking to rebuild and rejuvenate themselves under the guidance of their new coach Carles Cuadrat.

The Spaniard, during his stay in India, had a successful stint at Bengaluru FC. Cuadrat has been tasked with the responsibility of revamping the club and bringing them back to their glory days. The coach is well-versed in the Indian football circuit and understands the challenges that come with managing a club of this stature.

Carles Cuadrat's arrival has injected fresh hope and enthusiasm amongst the players and fans. While the departure of some key players has allowed the management to rebuild the squad, the club is now looking forward to building a strong and formidable team for the upcoming season. The Red & Gold Brigade have a legacy that spans over a century. And with the right investment and planning, they can once again stake their claim as one of the finest football clubs in India.