The start of the maiden ISL campaign of SC East Bengal has been a dissatisfactory one. The popular notion is that the team looks unfit, uncoordinated and inadequately managed, but is it true completely? Let’s see what are some of the talking points after the first couple of games:
Indian Brigade:
The bunch of Indian players brought on to compete the ISL is mainly comprised of rejected players from the other teams. As well as new additions from teams playing in I League and this occurred at a time when SC East Bengal weren’t even sure whether we will play ISL or I-League. Naturally, they are inexperienced and less promising, but they play passionately. It can be seen they want to establish themselves, at times sacrificing the team’s needs. This factor needs to be resolved quickly.
Lack Of Co-ordination:
This is the first time that our foreign signings are playing on Indian soil. They practiced with the Indian contingent for barely couple of weeks. Still, most of the buildups are created by them, particularly by involvement of Steinmann, Pilkington and Maghoma. However, when the time comes to finish the chances our Indian brigade comes into play and they lose the ball quickly. This uncoordinated play often lead us to SC East Bengal miss crucial chances, be it Balwant’s 1 on 1 miss vs ATK or Pilkington’s casual miss against Mumbai.
Wrong Choice/less options?:
One of the biggest mistakes as per fans that Fowler showed in the second match was bringing on Rafique, a midfielder in place of injured Fox, and putting Surchandra, a winger, to play as a side back and Irshad, a side back, to play as a centre back. Moreover, Sehnaj might have been preferred over Angousana to start although the selection might be based on fitness issues. But these mismatched positions in defence raises question about Fowler’s selection regarding player’s positions. As a consequence the first goal of Mumbai happened due to error in trackbacking by our makeshift side back, Surchandra Singh.
Only to blame the coach?
Not really. Robby Fowler has been a legend, and has some experience as a manager, but a coach can’t do anything on the field. He sets tactics, instructs the team but ultimately the players have to execute. A coach can only be as good as its team. The lack of coordination between the Indian and foreign brigade of SC East Bengal not really helps to execute the plans properly. And that’s where our opposition strikes us most.
Enough criticism:
Let’s be practical. Mr. Fowler has limited options in his hands. He lost Meetei due to injury against ATK, also he has very limited options in attack. Balwant is out of form, Jeje isn’t fit enough, the rest are inexperienced. The tendency to lose ball by young players is something that doesn’t allow us to possess threatening attacks. As this is the first ISL season for us, let’s not pile up pressure on our staffs as they are the ones who made it possible to get into the league with some strength.
Playing ISL is the biggest deal:
To play as a new team without any merger in ISL is the biggest thing for us right now. A club like SC East Bengal has to be in the top tier of Indian Football, and when we have entered here without merging, it is indeed special. Yes, we may finish last, but at least we are getting the experience, the thing we need the most to form a stable team in upcoming years. It’s quite natural the team will play below expectations. In fact we shouldn’t keep much expectations in the first year. Take example of North East, they were 9th last season and they are so strong this time. Even three times winner ATK sat at 9th in 2017 edition. We must not lose hope, and keep supporting the team even in this tough time, only if we love the club by heart!
Joy East Bengal. #ChhilamAchiThakbo
