Football

Carles Cuadrat, the former head coach of Emami East Bengal, has resigned from his position after the team's dismal performance in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL). The decision was announced by the club in a media statement on Monday.Cuadrat, who previously guided Bengaluru FC to its only ISL title in 2019, took charge of East Bengal at the start of the 2023 season. Under his leadership, the team reached the Durand Cup final in 2023 and won the Kalinga Super Cup earlier this year.However, the East Bengal squad struggled to make any significant progress in the new season. They crashed out of the Durand Cup in the quarterfinals and have lost all three matches they have played so far in the ISL.The team's poor form has led to mounting pressure on Cuadrat, and the club management has decided to part ways with him. Assistant coach Bino George will take over as the interim coach until a replacement is found.Cuadrat's departure marks the end of a disappointing chapter for East Bengal, who were hoping to challenge for the ISL title this season. The team's struggles have raised questions about the club's recruitment strategy and the quality of its squad.It remains to be seen who will replace Cuadrat as head coach, but the club will need to make a quick decision if they want to salvage their season.

Emami East Bengal FC extended its dominance atop the Durand Cup Group A standings with a convincing 3-1 victory over Downtown Heroes FC at the Kishore Bharati Stadium on Wednesday. The Kolkata giants showcased their attacking prowess, while Downtown Heroes fought valiantly despite being reduced to 10 men.Madih Talal opened the scoring for East Bengal in the 29th minute with a well-taken free-kick. However, Downtown Heroes responded swiftly, with Aafreen Basharat equalizing just a minute later. The match remained evenly poised until the 36th minute when Spanish midfielder Saul Crespo converted a penalty to restore East Bengal's lead.The second half saw East Bengal maintain its control of the game. Substitute Jesin T.K. sealed the victory in injury time with a clinical finish, ensuring that East Bengal remained unbeaten in the tournament.Meanwhile, in Group D, Indian Army continued its impressive run with a 3-0 triumph over Assam Rifles at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur. Alan Thapa, Pradeep Singh, and Sunil B. found the back of the net for the Army, who now sit second in the group behind host Jamshedpur FC.

Emami East Bengal, the Kolkata football giant, has unveiled a star-studded squad ahead of the upcoming season, aiming for greater success after finishing ninth in the previous Indian Super League (ISL) edition. The team has significantly reinforced its roster with the addition of Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos, French playmaker Madih Talal, India international Jeakson Singh, and emerging talent David Lalhlansanga.Coach Carles Cuadrat expressed optimism about the team's prospects, acknowledging the challenges faced last season due to injuries and suspensions. "We hope we can put up a better challenge and performance as we have a bigger squad with bigger names," he said.The team's immediate focus is on the Durand Cup and the AFC Champions League preliminary stage match against Turkmenistan's FC Altyn Asyr on August 14. Cuadrat emphasized the importance of depth in the squad, which he believes will be crucial for success in both competitions.Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan Super Giant has strengthened its foreign contingent by signing Australian World Cupper Jamie Maclaren, a five-time A-League Golden Boot winner. Maclaren's arrival adds firepower to Bagan's attack, which already boasts the likes of Dimitri Petratos, Greg Stewart, and Jason Cummings.

Emami East Bengal has bolstered its squad ahead of the upcoming football season by signing French midfielder Madih Talal on a two-year contract. Talal, who previously played for Punjab FC, was the top assist provider in the Indian Super League (ISL) last season.The attacking midfielder joins Dimitrios Diamantakos to strengthen East Bengal's attacking options. The club has also retained the services of Brazilian forward Cleiton Silva, Jordanian defender Hijazi Maher, and Spanish midfielder Saul Crespo.East Bengal has also added to its Indian roster by signing forward David Lalhlansanga and midfielder Mark Zothanpuia. The club has extended the contract of India international Mahesh Singh Naorem.The signings are part of East Bengal's efforts to improve its performance after finishing ninth in the ISL last season. The club will be playing in the Durand Cup, scheduled to start in the final week of July, before hosting the AFC Champions League Two preliminary stage match against Turkmenistan's Altyn Asyr FC on August 14 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.