East Bengal release Willis Plaza after Kolkata Derby debacle

The Caribbean striker has been blowing hot and cold throughout his spell with the Red and Gold and now his time at the club have come to a premature end.

Following a humiliating loss to arch-rivals Mohun Bagan by a 2-0 margin on Sunday afternoon at the Salt Lake Stadium, East Bengal officials have decided to release Trinidad & Tobago striker Willis Deon Plaza.

Plaza has been going through a dismal period since his return to Red and Gold colours this season after being released at the end of last season. He was missing silly chances in front of the goal and was showing no signs of improvement. His lazy attitude in the box kept the East Bengal officials fuming few times. Even the fans started mocking and trolling the Trinidad and Tobago international.

This derby was Plaza’s deadline, Khel Now understands. However, similar to his previous outings, the striker could not fulfill his potential as he failed to deliver the end product, leaving Dudu Omagbemi alone inside the box.

Manager Khalid Jamil had not succumbed to the faction inside the club who were in favour of signing a replacement before the start of the I-League and had reiterated his faith in the striker.

Also Read

Jamil accepts responsibility for defeat, Chakraborty targets title tilt

Foreigners' double sees FC Goa ease past Kerala Blasters

Jamshedpur come from behind to floor Delhi in 5-goal thriller

That, however, didn't help Plaza find his usual self, as the striker could only net a brace against bottom-placed Churchill Brothers, drawing a blank in nine other outings. 

It is learnt that midfielder Bazzou's Armand's East Bengal future is also under consideration as he has been failing to do justice to his role for some time now. Although, Bazzou played well in the absence of Mahmoud Al Amnah today, he's still said to be under the scanner.

According to sources, East Bengal are expected to announce a replacement for Plaza within two or three days, who will partner Dudu against Minerva Punjab in their next fixture. It will also be a test of Jamil on how he will habilitate the new striker alongside Dudu before the Minerva tie.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Meanwhile, Al-Amnah who was replaced minutes into the game due to a hamstring strain will be out for almost three weeks and is set to miss the team's next two games. A major blow for the Kolkata giants, it is to be seen how Khalid sets up his midfield without a key player like Amnah.