East Bengal has confirmed the appointment of Oscar Bruzon as their new head coach. The Spaniard arrives at the Kolkata club, currently languishing at the bottom of the Indian Super League table, hoping to inject some much-needed experience and tactical acumen. This appointment comes after the club parted ways with former coach Carles Cuadrat, following a disappointing start to the season that saw them suffer three consecutive defeats.
Bruzon is no stranger to Indian football, having previously led Sporting Clube de Goa to the 2013-14 Goa Professional League title. He also served as Mumbai City FC’s assistant coach in the 2015-16 ISL season and as Mumbai FC’s head coach in the 2017 I-League. But it’s his time in Bangladesh that truly highlights his success. He led Bashundhara Kings to an impressive haul of domestic titles, solidifying his place as the most successful coach in Bangladesh Premier League history. During his tenure from 2018 to 2024, Bruzon led the Kings to five consecutive league titles, three Independence Cup victories, and three Federation Cup championships. His team’s dominance is evident in their astonishing record: 94 wins in 114 matches, a remarkable 2.59 points per match average, only seven losses, and 13 draws.
Bruzon’s impact extends beyond the domestic scene. He was also appointed as Bangladesh’s interim head coach in 2021. He boasts an impressive record in AFC continental competitions, having won 11 out of 19 AFC Cup games and accumulated 36 points while managing Maldives’ New Radiant FC and Bashundhara Kings. Notably, he defeated two ISL clubs in last season’s AFC Cup, narrowly missing out on the knockout stages.
Before embarking on his managerial journey, Bruzon enjoyed a career as a winger and central midfielder, representing clubs like Gran Peña, Celta B, Universidad LP, and Pontevedra CF. He started his coaching career working with youth teams at Areosa and Celta de Vigo. He also had a successful spell at Maldives’ New Radiant SC, guiding them to the Dhivehi Premier League, the Maldives FA Cup, the President’s Cup, and the Maldivian FA Charity Shield in his first season.
East Bengal will be hoping that Bruzon can replicate his past successes and lead the club to a turnaround in the Indian Super League. His extensive experience, coupled with his tactical prowess and proven ability to manage high-performing teams, makes him a strong candidate to guide East Bengal towards a brighter future.
