Carles Cuadrat Resigns as East Bengal Head Coach Amid Poor Start to ISL 2024-25 Season

East Bengal has announced the resignation of head coach Carles Cuadrat, following a difficult start to the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. In an official statement released on Monday, the club confirmed the Spaniard’s departure, naming Bino George as interim head coach while the search for a permanent replacement begins.

Cuadrat, who joined East Bengal with high expectations, leaves behind a mixed legacy. He made history earlier this year by ending the club’s 12-year trophy drought, leading the Red and Gold Brigade to a Super Cup title in January. He also guided the team to a runners-up finish in the 2023 Durand Cup. However, his recent struggles with the team in the ISL have overshadowed his earlier successes.

The Red and Gold Brigade has suffered three consecutive defeats in the ISL this season, falling to Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters, and FC Goa. This marks the worst start for East Bengal since its ISL debut in 2020-21, when the team finished ninth. The home loss against FC Goa triggered loud chants of “Go Back Carles!” from fans at the Salt Lake Stadium, putting further pressure on Cuadrat to step down.

Despite significant investment in the squad, including Rs. 5.8 crore spent on Indian stars Jeakson Singh and Anwar Ali, and the addition of international talents Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal, and Hector Yuste, the results on the pitch have been disappointing. Expectations were high, but Cuadrat was unable to turn the club’s fortunes around in the early stages of the season.

In the official statement, Mr. Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal of the Emami Group acknowledged Cuadrat’s contributions, saying, “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.”

The club has called on fans to support interim coach Bino George and the team as they look to reverse their poor form. East Bengal has promised further updates as it searches for a long-term solution to its coaching vacancy.