Table of Contents
East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL): A Journey of Passion, Challenges, and Revival
East Bengal FC, one of the most storied clubs in Indian football, has a rich and illustrious history in the domestic football scene. Based in Kolkata, a city deeply ingrained with football culture, the club has been a symbol of pride and passion for generations of fans. Over the years, East Bengal has enjoyed immense success in various regional and national tournaments. However, its journey in the Indian Super League (ISL) has been a mix of challenges, revival, and a gradual push towards reclaiming its place among the elite in Indian football.
Early Days of East Bengal FC
Founded in 1920, East Bengal has long been associated with the vibrant football culture in Kolkata, alongside its archrival Mohun Bagan. The club has won several major domestic trophies, including the IFA Shield, Durand Cup, and Federation Cup, establishing itself as a football powerhouse. The passionate fanbase of East Bengal, often referred to as “The Red and Gold Brigade,” has been an integral part of the club’s legacy. The intense rivalry between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, known as the Kolkata Derby, is one of the fiercest football rivalries in India and adds to the rich history of the club.
Despite its success in Indian football, East Bengal was notably absent from the initial seasons of the ISL, which launched in 2014. During the first few seasons, the club’s fans eagerly awaited East Bengal’s inclusion in the newly formed league, but their absence was felt across the country, as the ISL began to reshape the landscape of Indian football.
Entry into the ISL: The 2020-21 Season
East Bengal’s entry into the ISL came in the 2020-21 season, marking the club’s long-awaited debut in India’s premier football competition. The club’s inclusion in the ISL was a significant moment for both the league and the club itself, as it marked the beginning of a new era for East Bengal. The club entered the competition through a partnership with the Shree Cements group, which took over the ownership and management of the club.
The 2020-21 season, however, was a challenging one for East Bengal. The club’s entry was not smooth, with off-field issues surrounding management and leadership. The absence of a proper pre-season and several new signings meant that East Bengal’s squad lacked cohesion. Despite their passionate fanbase, East Bengal finished the season in a disappointing 9th place out of 11 teams, winning just two of their 20 league matches. This underperformance highlighted the steep learning curve the club had to endure in adjusting to the professional and competitive ISL environment.
The 2020-21 season was marked by inconsistency, both in attack and defense. The club’s marquee signing, Robbie Fowler, who took over as head coach, faced numerous challenges, including limited time to prepare the team, resulting in a difficult campaign. Despite some positive individual performances from players like the experienced forward, Bright Enobakhare, and midfielder Jacques Maghoma, the club’s inability to perform as a cohesive unit was evident.
The 2021-22 Season: A Stronger Showing
After a disappointing debut season, East Bengal FC made several key changes to their squad in preparation for the 2021-22 ISL season. The club bolstered its squad with the inclusion of several high-quality foreign players, including winger Mahesh Naorem, and Brazilian forward Cleiton Silva. In addition to the new signings, the club brought in experienced coach, Manuel Díaz, to steer the team towards better results.
The 2021-22 season saw improvements, as East Bengal showed better form under Díaz. The club’s attacking play became more structured, with Cleiton Silva proving to be one of the standout performers. Silva’s ability to score crucial goals and provide assists made him a fan favorite, and his contributions were vital to East Bengal’s progress during the season.
However, despite showing glimpses of promise, East Bengal still faced some difficulties in their overall consistency. They had a mixed bag of results, finishing in 10th place with only 20 points from 20 matches. This season highlighted the ongoing challenge East Bengal faced in adapting to the high standards of the ISL. Their inability to maintain a consistent level of performance across the entire season was a significant factor in their failure to qualify for the playoffs.
A New Hope: The 2022-23 Season
The 2022-23 season of the ISL marked a turning point for East Bengal FC. The club’s management took a proactive approach by reinforcing the squad with several key signings, including experienced foreign players, as well as young Indian talents. One of the most notable signings was the return of the club’s legendary forward, Antonio Perosevic. His experience and leadership were expected to have a big impact on the team’s overall performance.
East Bengal’s approach for the 2022-23 season was to establish a balanced team, focusing on both attacking play and defensive solidity. Head coach Manuel Díaz’s tactics focused on improving the team’s defensive organization while giving freedom to their attacking players to express themselves in the final third. As a result, East Bengal managed to show improvements in their performances, becoming more competitive.
Despite these efforts, East Bengal’s journey in the 2022-23 season was once again fraught with inconsistency. The team continued to face challenges, especially in terms of finishing their chances. They struggled in key moments and were unable to secure a place in the playoffs, finishing mid-table once again.
The 2024-25 Season: A Season of Resurgence
Heading into the 2024-25 ISL season, East Bengal FC entered with renewed hope and optimism. The club’s management made a strong effort to build a more competitive team, focusing on improving key areas such as squad depth, attacking options, and defensive resilience. The club made smart acquisitions in the transfer market, adding quality players who could help them build a team capable of challenging for the top spots in the league.
East Bengal’s squad now boasts several standout players, including star forward Cleiton Silva, who continues to be a pivotal figure in their attack, as well as the talented midfielder, Mohamed Irshad. The defense, which has historically been one of East Bengal’s weakest areas, has seen improvements with the addition of experienced center-backs and full-backs, making them a much more organized unit at the back. These improvements in both attacking and defensive play have made East Bengal a more formidable side in the 2024-25 season.
The 2024-25 season has shown early promise for the club. With a more balanced squad, East Bengal has been able to maintain an unbeaten streak and has looked competitive in every match. Their newfound resilience, coupled with solid performances from key players, has enabled them to remain in the playoff race. Their attack, led by Cleiton Silva and Dimitrios Diamantakos, has been more clinical, while their defense has held firm against some of the league’s most potent attacking sides.
East Bengal’s Identity and Fan Culture
One of the defining characteristics of East Bengal FC is its passionate and loyal fanbase. The club’s supporters, known as the “Red and Gold Brigade,” are an integral part of the club’s identity. The atmosphere at the Salt Lake Stadium during home matches is electric, with the fans creating an intimidating environment for visiting teams. The Kolkata Derby, played between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, is one of the biggest footballing spectacles in India, drawing thousands of passionate fans to the stadium and millions more on television.
East Bengal’s supporters are known for their unwavering loyalty to the club, even in the face of adversity. This strong fan support serves as a constant motivator for the players, creating an emotional connection between the team and the fans. The sense of pride associated with representing East Bengal is deeply embedded in the club’s culture, and this drives the players to give their best on the pitch.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the improvements and resurgence, East Bengal FC still faces several challenges. The ISL is one of the most competitive football leagues in Asia, and each season presents new obstacles. East Bengal must maintain consistency throughout the long season, with a focus on avoiding injuries, improving squad depth, and making tactical adjustments.
Additionally, the club must address issues related to their foreign players’ contributions, ensuring they bring their best form to the league. While East Bengal’s attacking play has shown improvement, their defense continues to be an area of concern, and this will need to be shored up to compete against the best teams in the league.
Conclusion: A Club on the Rise
East Bengal FC’s journey in the Indian Super League has been a story of challenges, growth, and resilience. From their difficult debut season to the gradual improvements in their subsequent seasons, the club has shown that they have the potential to rise to the top. With passionate fans, a committed squad, and an improved management structure, East Bengal FC is steadily making its mark in the ISL.
As the 2024-25 season progresses, East Bengal FC remains a team to watch, as they look to continue their resurgence and aim for a playoff spot. The future looks bright for the Red and Gold Brigade, and with the right blend of experience and youth, they have the opportunity to once again compete for the top honors in Indian football.
