East Bengal part ways with Carles Cuadrat after disastrous start to ISL 2024-25

The Red and Gold Brigade are on a losing streak of five matches.

When East Bengal ended a 12-year trophy drought by lifting the Super Cup in January 2024 after defeating Odisha FC 3-2 under Carles Cuadrat, fans felt that the club was finally back on track and would compete for all the major trophies in Indian football.

East Bengal overhauled their squad with 10 new signings for the 2024-25 season and unlike their previous transfer windows, this one seemed different.

The club went on to sign ISL 2023-24 Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos and the player with the most assists, Madih Talal, very early in the transfer window, which showed their intent, as previously the Red and Gold Brigade would only do their transfer business late in the window.

The Red & Gold Brigade created more headlines in the transfer market by signing two Indian national team players Jeakson Singh and Anwar Ali, the club spent a combined transfer fee of Rs 5.8 crores.

East Bengal fans felt that their club was ready to compete in all competitions, considering that they had built on the Super Cup success in January 2024 with a solid transfer window in the summer.

The 2024-25 season started with the Durand Cup and AFC Champions League 2 qualifying rounds, in which East Bengal were disappointed with their performances and results. The Red and Gold Brigade lost the 2024 Durand Cup quarter-final against I-League side Shillong Lajong and the ACL 2 qualifying round against FK Altyn Asyr. In both these matches, the Red and Gold started as favourites, but could not live up to the tag.

East Bengal continued their disastrous season in ISL 2024-25 and lost their opening three matches against Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters and FC Goa. East Bengal fans made their feelings known during games about head coach Carles Cuadrat, as they raised questions about his selection, tactics and awareness regarding substitutions during tense moments in these matches.

Khel Now can reveal that East Bengal management has finally decided to part ways with Carles Cuadrat after his resignation.

“East Bengal management is under pressure based on the recent results, but they feel even if they keep results aside, the performances on the pitch do not allow them to give Carles more time, as they feel the squad they have built should be doing better,” a source from the club informed Khel Now.

East Bengal have started the search for a new manager and decided that reserve team coach Bino George will take interim charge of the team until the club finds a new head coach.

“Bino George’s familiarity with the Indian players and success with the reserve team in the Calcutta Football League can help the club improve their performance until they find the new head coach,” added a source.

The club have informed the players and Bino George about their decision and have made their decision public also.

The story has been updated with the official statement from East Bengal FC.

“Emami East Bengal FC announces the departure of Carles Cuadrat as its Head Coach. Bino George will serve as the interim Head Coach. Emami East Bengal FC will make further announcements in due course. 

Cuadrat was instrumental in guiding the Red & Gold Brigade to the Kalinga Super Cup title in January earlier this year. He also led the team to a runners-up finish in last year’s Durand Cup.”

Mr Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal of Emami Group said, “The Emami East Bengal FC management appreciates Coach Carles for guiding the team to the Kalinga Super Cup title and AFC continental competitions after a long hiatus. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.

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