ISL 2021-22: SC East Bengal vs NorthEast United – SC East Bengal are currently on their longest winless run in the Indian Super League. After six matches of the current season, the Kolkata giants lie rock-bottom with only three points as they gear up to face fellow bottom-dwellers NorthEast United FC on Friday. But what will be more worrying for coach Manuel Diaz will be the fact that his team have been unable to hold on to the lead on three separate occasions, squandering seven points in the process. Follow ISL 2021-22 Live on InsideSport.IN
In their very first match of the season against Jamshedpur FC, SC East Bengal took the lead but conceded through a set-piece routine as the match ended 1-1. In the high-scoring loss to Odisha FC, the Red and Golds had taken the lead but went on to lose the contest 4-6.
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ISL 2021-22: Winless East Bengal search for answers after squandering seven points from winning positions – Check details
In their last match against Kerala Blasters FC, SC East Bengal once again failed to hold on to their lead and the match ended 1-1 with both teams sharing the spoils. A total of seven points dropped.
“We are going to keep working and try to improve our level. Because our performance is not good enough to win three points. Our football level is what it is and the whole team needs to improve,” was Manuel Diaz’s observation following the last draw.
SCEB’s shortcomings
- In the opener against JFC, SCEB conceded in added time of the first-half
- Against OFC, SCEB conceded twice in the last 5 minutes of the first-half
- In the match against FCG, SCEB conceded right on the stroke of half-time
- Same happened against KBFC
There is a pattern to the madness. Manuel Diaz’s team tend to concede the most goals through set-pieces and in the last 15 minutes of the first half with six of the 15 goals conceded coming in between the 30th minute and half-time, a period most coaches hate to concede in as the entire complexion of the half-time team talk can change.
ISL 2021-22: Winless East Bengal search for answers after squandering seven points from winning positions – Check details
“We must improve our level and our decision-making after every game. It is not only the physical condition. But it is the whole situation involving fitness, technical and tactical aspects. We are not at a good level in every one of them.
“We have played five matches. The reality is what it is. We have conceded many goals. In some matches, we had the chance of winning the game. But we have to keep looking for the three points,” the coach had mentioned.
Two seasons in the Indian Super League, and the same familiar failings. With games coming thick and fast, there is not much Manuel Diaz can change in terms of coaching and tactics. The January transfer window might be the best chance for the team to change their luck. Sources have indicated the club management are trying to rope in Bright Enobakhare once again after the Nigerian impressed last season for SC East Bengal.
ISL 2021-22: Winless East Bengal search for answers after squandering seven points from winning positions – Check details
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