Cleiton has shown our players what it is to be competitive: Carles Cuadrat

Carles Cuadrat also mentioned about how East Bengal have been fighting for points.

East Bengal FC won their first game of the 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) season with a comeback win over former champions Hyderabad FC. With this win, the Red & Gold brigade climbed up to the fourth position.

Hitesh Sharma opened the scoring before Cleiton Silva scored a brace and scripted East Bengal’s comeback from behind. After the game, head coach Carles Cuadrat addressed the media and shared his thoughts.

Thoughts on the game

The head coach opened up about his thoughts on the game. He said that Hyderabad FC is a very competitive side and it wasn’t a game of many chances.

“I think we made a lot of mistakes in general. We have to adjust. It was a team with not many chances. Hyderabad FC is used to being competitive with very narrow margins. Last season, in a lot of games they finished 1-0. The players knew that they had to manage that kind of result. Now, with the new rules that are happening, a lot of games are around 100 minutes."

Cuadrat was in full of praise for his skipper’s beautiful goal from a free-kick. He mentioned about the same, “So we were focused that anything could happen. It's true that a set-piece can change anything and it was a moment of brilliance with Cleiton scoring that wonderful goal. We are celebrating these three points but we have to be conscious that narrow margins are always here in the ISL."

Cleiton’s importance

Cleiton Silva is Carles Cuadrat’s most trusted lieutenant. Sharing his thoughts on his captain, the Spanish head coach said, “I brought Cleiton to India. I was the coach that signed him (at Bengaluru FC). He is an incredible, talented player. After Bengaluru FC, he decided to sign with East Bengal FC and I am with him again."

Cuadrat also added that he expects Cleiton to perform at the same level like he did last season. 

“We all know what he was doing for the team last season and we expect him to produce the same this season. For the first game that he was in the starting eleven, we all can be satisfied. The team is (performing) in the right way and the captain has shown to our players what it is to be competitive.”

Thoughts on his squad

Next up, East Bengal will face Carles Cuadrat’s former side Bengaluru FC. Sharing his thoughts on his current squad, Cuadrat said that he is very happy with his players and their efforts on the pitch.

“Yes, I'm very happy with my squad. We did not have any clear tactical plans during the Durand Cup, but now you can see it. They boys have been fighting for the points every game and I am happy with the results. They have a never-say-die attitude and that’s what we want to show to our supporters,” he signed off.