FC Goa vs East Bengal: Carles Cuadrat vows to fight in 'Boro Match' after Goa defeat

Add as a preferred source on Google

East Bengal coach Carles Cuadrat says the upcoming Kolkata Derby is pivotal for them after the defeat against FC Goa on Wednesday (March 6).

East Bengal's disappointing run in the ISL continued as they lost 1-0 to the Gaurs at the West Coast.

The solitary goal from Noah Sadaoui was enough to bring back the Gaurs to winning ways after a four-match winless run. But the Kolkata team have now lost five ISL matches out of their last 7, which poses a threat to the club and their ISL playoff hopes.

The Torch Bearers will now head back to Kolkata for their next ISL match, which is the high-voltage Kolkata Derby against Mohun Bagan on Sunday (March 10).

After their victory against Chennaiyin at home, the Red and Gold Brigade have lost consecutive away matches and this latest one at the West Coast means they remain 9th in the table, now three points off 6th placed Bengaluru FC.

At the post-match press conference, Carles Cuadrat was asked about the defeat and the Spaniard admitted that the hosts were head and shoulders above his team.

"A lot of things went wrong. They won the physical game and then it is very difficult to be competitive. We tried to make advantage by bringing more players to the centre of the pitch, playing 4-3-3 against their 4-4-2. But we were losing the ball too easily. In the first half, we didn't take advantage and were putting us under pressure," Cuadrat said at the post-match press conference.

"I understand the players. It has been eight games in just four weeks. Unfortunately, we have some injuries like Saul and Pardo, and the new signings are trying to understand our tactics. I am demanding them a lot of effort and they can't deliver every week. It happens in football," he added.

The Spanish coach also admits the defeat in Goa means the Kolkata Derby will be pivotal and said they will try to get a result in the 'Boro Match.'

"We have to be optimistic. We still have 12 points to play. And now the next one is an important game, the 'Boro Match', and if we get a result there, maybe we will get another dynamic. We will keep working for the club," he added.

"Players don't meed motivation for the Derby. All of them want to play it. We just have to recover them physically and mentally and get ready for another important match. We can't do anything about the calendar and we have to fight for it," he added.

Mohammad Rakip got his 4th Yellow in the match and that means the youngster won't be available for the Kolkata Derby. But the East Bengal coach says his absence won't be an issue for them and stated the player is improving but it is a long way for him to be a starter at the club.