East bengals agonising journey in the i league over the years
The East Bengal Football Club, one of the most successful and storied clubs in Indian football, has indeed had a tumultuous journey in the I-League over the years. Here's a brief overview:
Early Years (2007-2010): East Bengal, founded in 1920, was one of the founding members of the I-League in 2007. They finished 3rd in the inaugural season and 2nd in the 2008-09 season, behind Dempo SC.
Consistency and Success (2010-2014): East Bengal enjoyed a period of consistency, finishing in the top three for four consecutive seasons (2010-11 to 2013-14). They won the I-League title in the 2010-11 season, their first in 26 years.
Decline and Relegation (2014-2019): However, the club's fortunes began to decline, and they finished 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th in the subsequent seasons. In the 2018-19 season, East Bengal finished 9th and was relegated to the second division, the I-League 2nd Division.
Relegation and Relegation Play-Off (2019-2020): East Bengal played in the I-League 2nd Division in the 2019-20 season and finished 2nd, earning promotion back to the I-League. However, they were relegated again after finishing 11th in the 2020-21 season.
Current Situation (2021-present): East Bengal is currently playing in the I-League, trying to regain their lost glory. They finished 7th in the 2021-22 season and are looking to improve their performance in the upcoming seasons.
Challenges and Controversies: Throughout their journey, East Bengal has faced several challenges, including:
- Financial struggles: The club has often struggled to maintain a stable financial situation, which has affected their ability to attract top talent and invest in infrastructure.
- Coaching changes: East Bengal has had a high turnover of coaches, which has disrupted team stability and consistency.
- Player retention: The club has struggled to retain top players, leading to a lack of continuity and squad cohesion.
- Controversies: East Bengal has been involved in several controversies, including disputes with the Indian Football Association (IFA) and other clubs, which have affected their performance on the pitch.
Despite these challenges, East Bengal remains one of the most popular and beloved clubs in Indian football, with a dedicated fan base and a rich history of success.