East Bengal FC (EBFC) continued their downward spiral in the ISL 2024-25 season, suffering their fourth consecutive defeat on Saturday. They fell to a 2-0 loss against Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur, marking their worst start to an ISL campaign since their inaugural season in 2020-21. The team’s struggles have been undeniable, culminating in their ninth-place finish in their debut season. The disastrous start ultimately led to the resignation of head coach Carles Cuadrat. This decision came after Cuadrat became the first manager in over a century to lose five successive league matches.
Assistant Manager Bino George took over the reins of the Red and Gold Brigade for the trip to Jamshedpur, but unfortunately, he couldn’t inspire the team to a positive result. East Bengal had made significant investments in the transfer market, splashing Rs. 5.8 crore to acquire the services of Jeakson Singh and Anwar Ali. They also brought in highly-regarded international players like Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal, and Hector Yuste. Despite these efforts, the team’s performance has been underwhelming.
On the other hand, Jamshedpur FC celebrated their best start to an ISL season, securing their third win from their first four games. The win further solidified their position in the league standings. The match showcased a stark contrast between the two teams, with Jamshedpur capitalizing on their opportunities while East Bengal struggled to find their rhythm. With the pressure mounting, East Bengal will need to find a way to turn the tide and get back on track if they hope to compete in the ISL 2024-25 season.