There’s a marked difference between the East Bengal side that played their last ISL game on October 22 against Odisha FC and the team now preparing for this weekend’s derby against Mohammedan SC. Newly appointed head coach Oscar Bruzon has done an impressive job alongside his physical trainer, Javier Sanchez. They quickly identified the areas needing immediate improvement. While it’s still a work in progress, Bruzon has already addressed most of the crucial issues.
Before the AFC Challenge League campaign, player fitness was one of the team’s biggest concerns. However, their week-long training camp in Bhutan for the Challenge League transformed the squad significantly. Not only did they remain unbeaten in all three games, but they also advanced to the quarterfinals as group leaders, instilling a winning mentality and boosting the players’ confidence. Training at Bhutan’s high altitude has further enhanced their physical fitness.
As they return to the ISL, their primary goal will be to secure their first victory of the season against the Black Panthers, who have lost their last three games. Defensive lapses and a lacklustre attacking lineup have been issues for Mohammedan SC under coach Andrey Chernyshov. Against East Bengal, Mohammedan will be without their towering defender, Joseph Adjei, who is still recovering from an injury. In his absence, Mohammedan conceded four goals in their recent game against Hyderabad FC. Florent Ogier, along with Gaurav Bora, will need to show solidity in defence against East Bengal. Mohammedan SC have developed a tendency to concede early goals, which they must avoid in this game.
East Bengal, on the other hand, will miss defender Provat Lakra, who is suspended due to a red card from the last game. Bruzon is likely to field Lalchungnunga in the left-back position to cover for Provat. Meanwhile, another reliable defender, Hector Yuste, remains in Spain for medical treatment and is set to miss the Mohammedan SC match. In Hector’s absence, Hijazi Maher and Anwar Ali are expected to take up central defensive duties.
Based on Mohammedan SC’s recent performances, they will need to step up significantly to match East Bengal’s current form. Chernyshov is still struggling to find the right formation for the ISL. Brazilian forward Franca, a natural winger, has been played as a striker, but the strategy has yet to yield results, with the player still goalless after six ISL games.
Their centre-forward, César Lobi Manzoki, has also yet to score, though he has only started one game and played 183 minutes in total. Manzoki has shown promise in training, and with more game time, he could make a greater impact.
Since returning from Bhutan, Bruzon has once again emphasised player fitness. Sanchez, the physical trainer, has worked intensely with the players in the initial sessions leading up to the Mohammedan SC game. On Wednesday, Bruzon shifted focus to tactics, aiming to create a balanced approach between defence and attack.
Focused on his mission, the coach kept his distance from the fan celebration yesterday, when supporters gathered to celebrate the team’s strong showing in Bhutan with cake and flowers. This gesture reflects his commitment to the task at hand. He has unfinished business and remains determined to help East Bengal rise up the standings.