Carles Cuadrat’s intelligence is a big strength for the East Bengal footballers ahead of the second Kolkata derby against Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG). His footballers feel so. 

The red-and-gold brigade won the first Kolkata derby in the same competition and within only 20 days the city giants will again vie for the 132nd Durand Cup at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan (YBK) on 3rd September on Sunday. 

East Bengal footballers seem inspired by the previous win, the first in the Kolkata derby this season which came through Nandkumar Sekar’s brilliant left-footer from outside the box. 

Still, the team's one of the experienced footballers, Souvik Chakrabarty does not seem complacent. Like his teammates, he also believes Mohun Bagan is enough strong as a team and the final could be a do-or-die match for them as they lost in the first derby in the same competition on 12th August. 

Souvik must be grieved for missing Sunday’s final due to double yellow cards. The 32-year-old veteran midfielder substituted in the first derby and the red-and-gold brigade was able to earn midfield possession utilizing Souvik’s experience and ability to cover wide area. 

Still, the former Mohun Bagan and Hyderabad FC footballer who returned to the field in the ongoing Durand Cup after overcoming Dengue believes their Spanish coach Carles Cuadrat is so cerebral that his player-changing decision and technical advice are outstanding and that could make the difference on Sunday at the YBK.