East Bengal vs Hyderabad FC: Carles Cuadrat hails players after 'tough' win against Nizams in Kalinga Super Cup

Add as a preferred source on Google

East Bengal coach Carles Cuadrat was in an upbeat mood after the 3-2 victory over Hyderabad FC in the opening match of the Kalinga Super Cup on Tuesday (January 9).

Cleiton Silva scored a brace and Saul Crespo headed home a late winner for the Red and Gold Army as they registered all three points in the match.

It was not an easy game for the Kolkata giants, who were pegged back twice by the young Hyderabad side, but in the end, kept their mettle and came away with the much-needed victory.

And the East Bengal coach Carles Cuadrat was all in praises for his team's mentality and hailed his boys for their spirited show in Bhubaneswar.

"We have to be positive with the goals. It is difficult when you concede two times, mentally it is very tough. But our players' mentality was very clear that it was a game to get three points. As you see, we are getting consistent," Cuadrat said at the post-match press conference.

Cuadrat also conceded the fact of changing the backline as a result of them conceding goals. The Kolkata side kept clean sheets in the last four matches but the Nizams breached their defense twice in the match.

"The injury of Mandar and Lalchungnunga's callup to the Indian team made us name a few new names in the defence. They have been doing good work, but in moments lost concentration and we conceded. But we have to be stronger in defence," he added.

"The game gives us opportunities to play young players like Vishnu and it is an opportunity for them to play for the first time in a competition like Super Cup. In general, very happy with the team," Cuadrat further said.

The East Bengal coach also hailed Cleiton Silva for scoring a brace in the match. The East Bengal striker missed an early chance but compensated with two brilliant goals for the Lal-Holud brigade.

The Kolkata giants also broke their three-game goalless run and coach Cuadrat was elated with the goals and stressed the importance of breaking the duck.

"I am happy with the two Cleiton goals, Saul with the winner and Borja with the assist. It was important for us to break the streak of three games without goals," he added.

East Bengal's next challenge is against I-League outfit Sreenidi Deccan on January 14.