Kolkata, Oct 9 (Agency) East Bengal FC have confirmed Oscar Bruzon as their new head coach.The 47-year-old has agreed to a contract that runs until the end of the 2024-25 season, succeeding Carles Cuadrat, who stepped down from the position last month. 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. Welcoming Bruzon to the East Bengal FC family, Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal of Emami Group said, “Oscar is a champion coach with a proven track record in Asia. His trophy-laden stint with Bashundhara Kings is highly commendable and his rich experience in AFC competitions makes him an ideal person to lead East Bengal FC. Besides, he is also accustomed to the Indian football circuit, having worked with Sporting Clube de Goa and Mumbai City FC in the past. We wish Óscar all the best for the season. We are confident that he will uphold the standard of our club and make the fans proud.”Bruzon 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 Bruzon’s tutelage. Bruzón was also appointed as Bangladesh’s interim Head Coach in 2021. Bruzon 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 Pena, 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. Excited to lead East Bengal FC, Bruzon said, “I am determined to make the most of this opportunity, being fully aware of the goals set by the East Bengal FC management. It’s a privilege and massive responsibility to manage a historical institution like East Bengal.” Bruzon also highlighted his AFC ambitions for the club, saying, “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 most suitable training processes and tactical formations in order to help our players reach their peak form and instil a winning mentality to win as many games as possible.” The 47-year-old also appreciated the Red & Gold fans for their unwavering support, saying, “I wantto 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.”