The upcoming Kolkata derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant on October 19th is set to be a heated affair, but the spotlight is also on the potential absence of East Bengal’s newly appointed head coach, Oscar Bruzon. Despite being appointed on October 8th, Bruzon’s presence on the touchline remains uncertain due to ongoing visa issues.
While his visa application was submitted last week, the process is yet to be completed. East Bengal officials are actively working to expedite the process, but they acknowledge that it is out of their control. In the event that Bruzon’s visa isn’t processed in time, reserves team coach Bino George, who is currently the interim head coach, is likely to lead the team against their arch-rivals.
Bruzon’s arrival at East Bengal generated excitement amongst supporters, given his successful track record with Bangladesh Premier League giant Bashundhara Kings. He led the team to four top-division titles, cementing their place as the most successful team in the country’s domestic circuit.
The derby presents a critical opportunity for East Bengal to turn around their dismal start to the season. The team currently sits at the bottom of the table with no points after four matches, following the departure of their former head coach, Carles Cuadrat.
The Red and Gold will be hoping to get their campaign back on track, but the uncertainty surrounding Bruzon’s availability adds another layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes encounter. The match could also mark Bruzon’s first match in charge, depending on the visa process. His potential debut could be either the away clash against Odisha FC on October 22nd or the home match against Mohammedan Sporting on November 9th.
Regardless of who leads the team, East Bengal will be eager to secure a victory in the Kolkata derby and inject some much-needed momentum into their season. The pressure will be immense, given the team’s current struggles and the significance of the rivalry. The fans will be hoping to see their team rise to the occasion and deliver a strong performance.