ISL 2023-24: We have to be ready for a very competitive match – East Bengal FC’s Carles Cuadrat

East Bengal FC head coach Carles Cuadrat has admitted they need to be ready for a very competitive match against Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Wednesday. The Red and Gold brigade are still unbeaten in the ongoing Indian Super League, winning one and drawing one match.

On the other hand, Bengaluru FC have lost both of their matches so far and they will look to get their maiden win of the season while playing at home.

Meanwhile, after playing a goalless draw against Jamshedpur FC, East Bengal FC stunned Hyderabad FC by 1-0 to register their first win of the season. Carles Cuadrat’s team will aim to continue the winning impetus against the Blues.

“We know that Bengaluru FC were fighting for trophies last season. They won the Durand Cup and were in the final of the Super Cup and the ISL so that means that they are a very competitive team. They have been working and also trying to bring in new players and trying to make (create) a solid project so we have to be ready for a very competitive match because they need the points very clearly after two games. They are going to give everything,” Cuadrat said in the pre-match press conference.

“They also have the Kanteerava stadium (home crowd) supporting them. It is a stadium with very loud fans. They help the team a lot,” he added.

The Spaniard added the team that will score first will have the advantage in the match.

“All the games are very narrow in terms of results. Whoever is scoring the first goal will have the advantage. Both of us have consistent teams. Anything can happen,” he said.

In fact, East Bengal FC haven’t been able to deliver in their first three seasons of the ISL as they have finished in the lower half of the standings. However, Cuadrat is optimistic about turning the tables for the club.

“I am very positive looking at the club. We are settled with a new project. There are a lot of positives. Three players are going to the national team. We also have Hijazi (Maher) going with his national team we also have Gill with the under-23 national team and three more players going with the under-17 national team. I am very happy with the direction that the club is taking. We have to go match by match. We know that there are a lot of competitive teams and that there is a lot of pressure on us,” stated Cuadrat.