East Bengal FC appointed Óscar Bruzón as its new Head Coach till the end of the current season. The Spanish coach led Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings to numerous domestic titles, besides also working with India’s Sporting Clube de Goa, Mumbai City FC and Mumbai FC in the past.
East Bengal FC are currently struggling in the league, having lost their first four matches, three of which came under the previous coach, Carles Cuadrat, who parted ways with the club.
Cuadrat had a successful last season, winning the Super Cup that had ended their 12-year trophy drought.
Bino George served as interim coach during their last outing, which ended in a 0-2 defeat at Jamshedpur FC.
Bruzón has been the most successful coach in the Bangladesh Premier League history, having led Bashundhara Kings to an astounding 94 wins in 114 matches, with a 2.59 points per match ratio. During this period (2018 – 2024), he lost only 7 matches while drawing 13. Under Bruzón’s reign, Bashundhara Kings won 5 consecutive Bangladesh Premier League, 3 Independence Cup and 3 Federation Cup titles. Besides, in the Bangladesh Premier League, Bashundhara Kings scored 277 goals while conceding only 80 in 114 matches under Bruzón’s tutelage. Bruzón was also appointed as Bangladesh’s interim Head Coach in 2021.
Bruzón also boasts of an impressive record in AFC continental competitions, having won 11 out of his 19 AFC Cup games and accumulated 36 points whilst managing Maldives’ New Radiant FC and Bashundhara Kings. He defeated two ISL clubs in last season’s AFC Cup, whilst narrowly missing out on the knockout stages of the tournament.
Having represented Gran Peña, Celta B, Universidad LP and Pontevedra CF as a winger and central midfielder, Bruzón started his managerial career with the youth teams of Areosa and Celta de Vigo. He took charge of Sporting Clube de Goa in 2012, leading them to the 2013-14 Goa Professional League title. He also served as Mumbai City FC’s Assistant Coach in the 2015-16 ISL and Mumbai FC’s Head Coach in the 2017 I-League. Bruzón 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 during his first season.
Óscar Bruzón said “I am determined to make the most of this opportunity, being fully aware of the goals set by the Emami East Bengal management. It’s a privilege and massive responsibility to manage a historical institution like East Bengal”.”
“I am confident that we are on the verge of traversing a successful journey not only in the ISL, but also in the AFC Challenge League.” “As we are currently in the middle of our Indian domestic season, we are already working to implement the best and suitable training processes and tactical formations in order to help our players reach their peak form and instill a winning mentality to win as many games as possible,” Bruzon added.
He also hailed the Red & Gold fans for their unwavering support, saying, “I want to give a big shoutout to the East Bengal fans — the most passionate fan base in India. It’s absolutely amazing to be a part of this family. Together, we will lift the spirit of the team and deliver positive results in return of your unconditional love.”
Picture Courtesy: Social Media
