Will Morgan's magic work for EB in I-League?

The East Bengal enthusiasts are currently riding a wave of optimism. It’s always nice to hear about their success. Recently, the team won the Federation Cup and has been consistent in the last couple of years, thanks to Trevor Morgan, who has scripted a success route for the Red and Golds.

While their city rivals Mohun Bagan have stuttered, East Bengal look a better organised side ahead of their campaign in the I-League, which begins next Saturday.

In fact, Morgan is the right choice for East Bengal, who have reposed faith in him, even though the club has failed to win any I-League titles in the last two seasons. They haven’t discarded him since the club has done well in the Federation Cup — East Bengal played in three finals and won twice, since he took over the reins of the club in 2010-11 season.

While Bagan had chopped their coaches consecutively in the last two seasons, Morgan’s no-nonsense attitude towards reviving his team’s fortune earned him respect from the officials, players and fans. Under Morgan, East Bengal seemed to have monopolized the Federation Cup — the team has lost only once, to Salgacoar in last year’s final, in the 15 games they have played so far.

Most Calcutta teams employ a rigid 4-4-2. But at East Bengal, Morgan has changed it and introduced a 4-3-3 formation. He had used players in positions where he would get the maximum from them, and not necessarily where they wanted to play.

Midfielder Mehtab Hussain, who was completely forgotten after a niggling injury two seasons back, got back confidence and form thanks to the encouragement shown by the coach. Today, the skillful midfielder is a lot more motivated, and has even regained his place in the national team. This shows that the 56-year-old coach can work wonders with injured players.

Besides, his clever signings during the transfer season convinced everyone, including the snooty officials, that he isn’t a spend thrift like other coaches.

East Bengal brought in only one big name – Chidi Edeh, who became the highest scorer in the Fed Cup. The club recruited U-23 India striker, Manandeep Singh. The gambit paid off spectacularly, as the 19-year-old, who signed from Air India this summer, finished off as joint second highest scorer.

I always liked East Bengal’s fighting spirit, which they seem to have lacked in the last one decade. Morgan added character, and a conviction to perform under pressure. Besides, Morgan relied on the core team which he had built two seasons back when he came to the club, something like Armando Colaco’s Dempo. That says a lot about a team which is a well-knit side. And, I’m sure it can help them regain the I-League, which they last won in 2003-04 season.

Last year, they came close to winning the title, but missed by a whisker. The only thing the team lack right now is consistency.

If they can overcome it, Morgan and East Bengal can complete a deserving double.