ISL 2023-24: Quality in the box makes the difference – East Bengal FC’s Carles Cuadrat

East Bengal FC’s head coach Carles Cuadrat feels quality in the box makes the difference after their 2-1 loss in the Indian Super League against Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Naorem Singh scored for the Red and Gold Brigade in the 15th minute to put the visitors in front. Subsequently, Sunil Chhetri scored the equalizer after six minutes through a penalty kick.

Javi Hernandez then gave a 2-1 lead to the Blues as he found the back of the net in the 72nd minute.

“We were dominating every part of the game. And if you see the numbers, we have got twelve shots and Bengaluru FC only four shots. We have two shots on target. So, we have to increase (that). If you get twelve shots and two on target, it’s not a good percentage,” Cuadrat said in the post-match press conference.

“But I don’t want to stress my players. They know, and we have been working on that in the training (sessions). So, it’s not about putting pressure on them. It’s just all of us be it the club or the supporters; all of us have to understand that football is like this. Quality in the boxes makes the difference,” he added.

The Spaniard is happy with the way his players are adapting to his style of coaching.

“I’m very happy with how the guys are understanding the system, how we are playing, and how we are not conceding chances, because we are not conceding chances and we are creating chances. So, this is football; the goals are going to happen,” the Spaniard continued.

Commenting on the performance of Mahesh, Cuadrat said: “He has a lot of quality. We are very happy with his age, and he renewed the contract with the club, so it means a compromise with the project. So, I’m very happy with him. He has been coming from the national team with an injury, so I can see now that he’s not still 100% fit. But these days, I hope that in the national team, they take care of him and that he comes back in perfect condition.”

East Bengal FC will play their next match against FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata on 21st October.