East Bengal's Habas must fix three flaws for ISL title

East Bengal head coach Antonio Habas has secured early silverware, but the source from Khel Now outlines three tactical improvements required for the club's 2026-27 Indian Super League title defence. The Spanish coach guided the team to a win over Al-Arabi SC in an AFC Champions League Two qualifier and a 4-1 victory against Mohun Bagan to claim the 2026 Durand Cup.

Despite this promising start, the report states Habas must refine his team's approach ahead of the demanding ISL season. The analysis focuses on enhancing creativity, shoring up defensive width, and becoming more potent from dead-ball situations.

Better creative threat through the midfield

East Bengal's attacking play under Habas has been entertaining but risks becoming predictable. The source notes a heavy reliance on creating chances from wide areas, with wingers advancing the ball before delivering crosses. While effective, this pattern could be exploited by opponents.

Habas needs to develop a more varied approach. The report emphasizes improving ball progression through central zones. Midfielders like Dani Ramirez and Mohammed Rashid must impose greater creative authority from the middle. Their ability to execute precise through balls and quick forward passes will be important to unlocking defences and increasing the overall goal threat.

Stronger defending in the wide areas

Defensive solidity has been a feature, with four clean sheets kept in the Durand Cup. However, vulnerabilities were spotted against teams that attack primarily through the wings. While centre-backs Anwar Ali and Sandeep Mandi have performed well, the full-back areas require more reliability.

Jay Gupta and Hardik Bhatt produced decent early performances, but the team needs sharper defending in wide channels. Full-backs must improve at cutting out opposition wingers and restricting crosses. The source suggests the team cannot always rely on centre-backs or the goalkeeper for last-ditch interventions. Compelling wingers to drop back and assist could be one solution to stifle the opposition's flow down the flanks.

Set-piece efficiency

A notable weakness in otherwise promising performances has been a lack of impact from set-pieces. East Bengal struggled to score from corners and indirect free-kicks, a issue particularly evident in their Durand Cup semi-final against SC Delhi. Habas, described as an admirer of balance, would be concerned by this lack of threat.

The report states the team must become more dangerous from these situations. Set-piece takers, including Ramirez and Rashid, need to deliver more inviting crosses into prime areas. Failure to improve this aspect could become an Achilles' heel, potentially costing the team points by turning draws into defeats.

The source concludes that while the early signs under Habas are encouraging, addressing these three areas will be vital for East Bengal's chances of successfully defending their ISL crown.