East Bengal should have long-term plans with Cuadrat for success: Trevor James Morgan

Trevor James Morgan is considered the recent-most successful tactician at East Bengal.

It has been more than five years since Trevor James Morgan left East Bengal FC. Back in the day, East Bengal were a side feared by everyone in Indian football. During Morgan’s era, the Red & Gold Brigade were one of the most consistent performers in the country’s top-tier league ( then I-League ), and winning trophies was a daily habit.

Currently, the situation has changed. The century-old club has been without any major trophy for years now. Remembering the good old days and discussing the tough present times, Trevor James Morgan recently gave an interview to Bengali newspaper Bartaman. 

When questioned about his view on the team East Bengal have built this season, he said, “Last few years the team was not built nicely, players who had the capability to play in I-League were included in the ISL team. This was against football science. One needs to sign multiple players for a position to get success. This formula has been followed this time, and quality foreigners and Indians like Harmanjot Singh Khabra And Mandar Rao Dessai have been signed. The team has been built nicely, and with time East Bengal will play better.” 

On being asked about the current performance of East Bengal, especially their top-spot finish in the Durand Cup group stages and derby victory, Morgan said, “I would congratulate coach Carles Cuadrat for the derby win. I believe his experience will benefit the Red & Gold Brigade. The management should have long-term plans and faith in him, only then success will come.” 

When requested to give some message to the fans, he said, “The fans have a huge role in East Bengal’s success, their love and craze for the team motivates the players a lot. I would urge them to keep supporting the club and have faith and patience. The fans are the club’s biggest asset.” 

Trevor James Morgan was also asked what he thinks is the reason for East Bengal to gain so much success during his era and not achieve much later. He replied, “It was not an overnight success. The dressing room environment plays a huge role. The foreigners and Indian players shared a good bond. The squad and the officials stayed like a family. The team building and bond shared should stay perfect, this makes the job of a coach easier.” 

Morgan’s East Bengal were consistently in the race for the championship. He won the first-ever tournament he was in-charge in - the 2010 Federation Cup. In 2013, he took the club to the AFC Cup quarter-finals as well.