ISL 2023-24: We were superior in the second half: East Bengal FC’s Carles Cuadrat after win against Chennaiyin FC

East Bengal FC head coach Carles Cuadrat was delighted after they defeated Chennaiyin FC in the 17th matchweek of the ongoing Indian Super League at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Monday.

After a goalless first half, Nandhakumar Sekar continued his rich form for the Red and Gold Brigade as he scored in the 65th minute of the game. Cuadrat feels they were the better team than Marina Machans in the second half.

The hosts had 52.1% possession and took two shots on target and four off target.

“We played a very bad first half, but we played well in the second half. We were superior in the second half. In the first half, I think that Chennaiyin FC deserved to be in front and score. But we made substitutions (in the second half). It’s our job to try to make things work. I think we can be satisfied with our performance in the second half and the final result (three points), that is the important thing,” Carles Cuadrat stated in the post-match press conference.

Sekar has been in terrific form for East Bengal FC as he has scored five goals in 16 matches in the ongoing season. Furthermore, he has provided three assists to the team and the Spanish tactician was full of praise for the 28-year-old forward.

“He has to be consistent with his performances and he’s getting there. He’s getting the numbers. If he’s the leader among the Indian players in (our) attack, it means a lot. It means that he’s doing the right things,” the Spaniard said.

East Bengal FC had lost their previous match against Jamshedpur FC BY 2-1 but they were able to return to winning ways.

The Kolkata-based club will next take on table-toppers Odisha FC on Thursday at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar.