Indian Super League: Oscar Bruzon appointed head coach of East Bengal

Spanish football manager Oscar Bruzon has been appointed as the head coach of East Bengal FC, the club announced on Tuesday.

In Short

• East Bengal appoints Oscar Bruzon as its new head coach
• Bruzon returns to Indian Super League after nine years
• The Spaniard's last coaching job was with Bashundhara Kings

East Bengal FC has appointed Spanish football manager Oscar Bruzon as their new head coach, the club announced on Tuesday. Bruzon, 47, is best known for his exceptional stint with Bangladeshi club Bashundhara Kings, where he led the team to five consecutive Bangladesh Premier League titles.

In his first statement as head coach of East Bengal, Bruzon expressed both excitement and determination. "I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and fully understand the goals set by the East Bengal management. It's a privilege and a massive responsibility to manage a historical institution like East Bengal," he said.

The appointment comes at a critical juncture for East Bengal, who are currently struggling in the Indian Super League (ISL). The club has lost its first four matches of the season, three of which were under the former coach, Carles Cuadrat. Cuadrat, who parted ways with the club earlier this season, had a successful previous campaign, helping East Bengal break a 12-year trophy drought by winning the Super Cup.

Bruzon's arrival is expected to bring new energy to the squad ahead of the much-anticipated Kolkata Derby against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan on October 19. The timing of his appointment, during the international break, offers the Spanish tactician an opportunity to assess the squad and prepare for the crucial clash.

The transition period at East Bengal saw Bino George serve as interim coach for their most recent match, a 2-0 defeat to Jamshedpur FC.

Bruzon brings with him an impressive managerial record. In 114 matches at Bashundhara Kings, he won 94 times, achieving a points-per-match ratio of 2.59. During his tenure from 2018 to 2024, the club clinched five league titles, three Independence Cups, and three Federation Cups, scoring a remarkable 277 goals while conceding just 80.

Beyond domestic success, Bruzon made his mark in continental competitions. He won 11 of 19 matches in the AFC Cup, managing both Bashundhara Kings and New Radiant FC in the Maldives. His Kings side narrowly missed the knockout stages of last season’s AFC Cup, defeating two ISL clubs along the way.

Bruzon's playing career saw him feature as a winger and central midfielder for clubs including Gran Peña and Celta B. He transitioned into coaching with youth teams at Areosa and Celta de Vigo before taking charge of Sporting Clube de Goa, where he won the Goa Professional League in 2013-14. He also had stints with Mumbai City FC and Mumbai FC in India.

As he takes charge of East Bengal, Bruzon outlined his ambitions for both the ISL and AFC competitions. "We are already working to implement the best training processes and tactical formations to help our players reach peak form and instill a winning mentality," he said. He also emphasized the importance of East Bengal’s loyal supporters. "I want to give a big shoutout to the East Bengal fans -- the most passionate fan base in India. Together, we will lift the spirit of the team and deliver positive results in return for your unconditional love."