KOLKATA: Being clinical and not carefree is key to Carles Cuadrat's football mantra and East Bengal FC seem to be benefitting from it early in the season.
In the recent past, the red-and-gold brigade's ambitions have been in a state of degeneration. However, if three wins in a row, including the one against Mohun Bagan, insinuate at East Bengal's aspirations to turn a corner this time around, they will face a test of character against NorthEast United FC, a team pursuing similar goals, when the two will kick off the first semifinal of the ongoing Durand Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday.
In the past couple of ISL seasons, East Bengal FC and NEUFC were mostly engaged in the battle to take the wooden spoon. And suddenly these two strugglers are salivating at the prospect of advancing to the final of a tournament, if not more.
Playing at home, the onus, however, is more on Cuadrat's team to deliver the goods.
East Bengal's Spanish coach is not taking the opponents lightly but is cautiously confident about crossing the hurdle.
"NorthEast United have been unbeaten in this tournament so far. They have a good mix of youth and experience, which makes them a very competitive opponent. It's definitely going to be a tough match, but our players know their roles well. As a unit, we are working in the right direction," Cuadrat was quoted as saying in the club's messaging sites on Monday.
Brazilian Cleiton Silva is yet to hit his stride but the likes of Saul Crespo and Borja Herrera appear to have quickly assimilated themselves in the coach's strategy of controlling the middle third. Nandhakumar Sekar and Naorem Mahesh Singh's pace down the flanks is again meant to add more fuel to the team's ambitions.
NEUFC, on the other hand, are coming into the contest with the similar drive for a turnaround. They finished the last season having made the Super Cup semifinals. But under new Spanish coach Juan Pedro, the team looks more focused and flamboyant with a good mix of youth and experience.
Pedro has given a clarion call to his players, urging them to "fight" for the region.
"This semifinal isn't just another match. East Bengal are a team with quality players in all positions and they will have the home advantage. But we're here to represent our region and fight for our people," Pedro remarked.
NEUFC come here with aspirations. It remains to be seen if Cuadrat's East Bengal can rise to the occasion and make a statement of their own.
Kick-off: 6 pm
