Very unimpressive play by East Bengal yesterday. Most worrying is the lack of creativity in midfield. The gung-ho spirit that was so evident in the players in the CFL seemed to have fizzled out. Not surprisingly, the only two players who were industrious and seemed to make an impact scored the goals-Bikash Jairu and Bernard Mendy. Sabeeth and Do-Dong were inconspicuous in the first half. However, let's not make a 'villain' of Dong, a player who was hailed as the 'messiah' only a few months back. If he can improve his physical fitness and work on his basics, he can become an asset again. Ranti seemed to have left his scoring boots behind. And lastly, Arnab, on being chosen as Hero of the Match, is reported to have said, 'Didn't know why they selected me'. Pretty much sums up the state of things in Indian football.
So the alarm bell (Dhong Dhong) has rung for Do Dong - EB's this year's darling in the CFL!
Biswajit absolutely pissed off with him!
Sure he can be as a coach, but his own decisions are baffling! Playing Mendy as almost a striker.... even Mendy must be laughing. Not sure, how serious Mendy would be for the I-League, looking at Biswajit's antics!
Ringing of alarm bells is sometimes good for a player-it makes him come back stronger. And he was rightly hailed by the fans- no one could match his performance in the CFL.
Dong is 22, he will only improve. His basics are in place, what he lacks is body strength mostly. Bishwajit's choice of persistently playing Sabeeth however is just stupid. His decision to not go for a second Indian or foreign striker is just as stupid as well. Also if Arnab or Bello picks an injury/suspension, the backup CBs are completely untested. He might play Mendi however in various positions during the course of the league. Against a weak side like AFC, two big men upfront was a good tactic. Bishu Bhattacharya's inexperience is showing at this level.
The plan was always to keep Biswajeet asa stop gap replacement...somehow this season is lost...no point changing him now
However looking at EB 's track record some one high profile would be in the hot seat before July.....ranti/mendy/bello etc would be replaced for sure by younger players....same goes for guys like mehtab.....summer clear out should and would happen IMO
Do Dong Hyun, the South Korean attacker of East Bengal, was not allowed to take part in the club's practice session on Saturday morning after venting his frustration on being substituted in East Bengal's 2-0 win against Aiwazl FC on Friday. Senior players like Ranti Martins and Mehtab Hossain also got involved and came out in support of the Korean, but the star of the Calcutta Football League (CFL) failed to avoid the club's wrath and has been handed a monetary fine also.
I-League Update: Do Dong Hyun forbidden from taking part in East Bengal practice https://t.co/BZqLM8Dknvhttps://t.co/p12s8PoPVj
This is one star who should be moving next year....maybe BFC could use him in their revamped squad
And maybe BFC's two stars, Johnson and Osano should move on next year.. East Bengal could use them for their revamped squad (according to @gaffertape, this might already be happening)
Dong has a 3 year contract with East Bengal, he isnt going anywhere. A goal and a couple of good matches will turn him around. Also, Westwood sort of coaches wont adjust in Kolkata clubs, chances are he will get the sack in half a season if the team fails to deliver. He has a big mouth and we only tolerate big mouths when they can give trophies.
Agree with you on both points...But would love to see Johnson and Osano play for our club next season, they have been two of the best defenders for the past two seasons of the I-League, and Westwood, it is understood, has some influence on them.
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And lastly, Arnab, on being chosen as Hero of the Match, is reported to have said, 'Didn't know why they selected me'. Pretty much sums up the state of things in Indian football.
Biswajit absolutely pissed off with him!
Sure he can be as a coach, but his own decisions are baffling! Playing Mendy as almost a striker.... even Mendy must be laughing. Not sure, how serious Mendy would be for the I-League, looking at Biswajit's antics!
Senior players like Ranti Martins and Mehtab Hossain also got involved and came out in support of the Korean, but the star of the Calcutta Football League (CFL) failed to avoid the club's wrath and has been handed a monetary fine also.