Cleiton Silva’s brace and Saul Crespo’s winning header guided the Red and Gold brigade to register all three points in their opener in the Kalinga Super Cup at Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

Cuadrat was naturally happy with the boys’ performance. He especially had appreciation for the players’ toughness and attitude. He commented in the media conference, “It was not an easy game. It is difficult when you concede two times. You need to mentally strong to overcome this. Our players showed the attitude and mental strength and returned with three points." 

The Spanish coach also admitted the fact of changing the backline as a result of conceding goals. The Kolkata side kept clean sheets in the last four matches but the Nizams breached their defence twice in the match.

"The injury of Mandar and Lalchungnunga's callup to the Indian team made us name a few new names in the defence. They have been doing good work, but in moments lost concentration and we conceded. But we have to be stronger in defence," he added. "The game gives us opportunities to play young players like Vishnu and it is an opportunity for them to play for the first time in a competition like Super Cup. In general, very happy with the team," Cuadrat further said.

The Kolkata giants also broke their three-game goalless run and coach Cuadrat was elated with the goals and stressed the importance of breaking the duck. "I am happy with the two Cleiton goals, Saul with the winner and Borja with the assist. It was important for us to break the streak of three games without goals," he added. 

East Bengal's next challenge is against I-League outfit Sreenidi Deccan on January 14.