Oscar Bruzon reveals what to expect from East Bengal FC before NorthEast United FC clash in ISL 2025-26

East Bengal will face off against NorthEast United FC in their opening match.

East Bengal FC will begin their 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) journey in their home turf at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), Kolkata, in a much-anticipated clash against NorthEast United FC tonight at 7:30 pm. The stage is set for a high-stakes class between the two ISL sides.

Ahead of the match, Oscar Bruzon spoke about the prospect of his side having to change their fortunes in ISL Championship title with only 13 matches to play this season.

He stated: “Last season there were a lot of reasons for the fans to be frustrated as the club was going through a transition period due to the constant change of investors, head coaches, players, other supporting staff in regular intervals. This is why the results were not in our favor. Fortunately, this season the team management have specified the duties very clearly to every individual.

The people who used to take the technical decisions last season have been changed as well and at present we are going through a process of long-term vision. The club’s vision is very clear, and they are changing the infrastructure of the club as well and we are on the first step of that long-term vision. We are steadily progressing towards building a positive culture within the club.”

“When I came to the East Bengal club last season the situation in the dressing room was completely different, we lost the first five matches of the season and failed to grab any points in our bag. Slowly I have built a positive culture within the team with the help of the proper planning of the investor, team management, video analysts, and other people. I am happy with the squad this year. Everyone is ready to take the field, as tomorrow the league is starting for us again, it will be our first game, we want good positive results to kick off our new season.” he further added.

Thoughts on the new signings, injuries, team building and what to expect from East Bengal FC this season

Speaking about his thoughts on this new-look East Bengal FC squad that will take the field tonight under his guidance.

Oscar explained, “I know the historical background and importance of the club in India and around the world and the fans only know only one language, that is the language of winning trophies.

“This year Thangboi Singto and I have worked really hard day and night with the help of the team management and have lined up a strong squad for the club. I can mention the important Indian signings of Bipin, Jerry, Martand, Edmund, Ramsanga, Jay, and if you ask me about the foreign players, I will mention the inclusion of Rashid, Miguel, Kevin and Youssef in the squad.

The important task during the uncertain period in the Indian Football was to maintain the fitness of the players which have been monitored really well by other coaching staff and the club management. So, we are very pleased with this squad of players and very confident to produce better results for the fans this time.”

Regarding the injuries the gaffer claimed, “This is really not in our hands, but Mahesh and Rakip are recovering really well. Kevin got injured in one of our practice sessions, he clashed with one of our own players, I will not mention the name and got an injury in his back, but he is recovering well and I am hopeful that he will be back with the team before the FIFA International break in March.

Saul Crespo felt uncomfortable last night as he is facing some cramps and stomachache but I’m hopeful to have him tomorrow. Kevin will return to India in two weeks.”

The Spanish gaffer was asked if his East Bengal FC this year are one of the favorites to win the trophy and have an advantage over the other ISL teams.

He replied, “I don’t want to tell anything about this now we want to focus on our game and want to approach the season game-by-game.

This is a short season I know so we need to acclimatize really fast to get results in our favor but at the same time need to have a positive attitude always as we are on the first step of the long-term vision of the club.

Thoughts on NorthEast United FC s’ threat and East Bengal’s home advantage

Speaking about his thoughts on this new-look NorthEast United FC that his side faces off against in their opening game.

Oscar explained: “They’ve built a new squad that is absolutely different compared to last season. Many key players are missing from the team as well like Alaaeddine Ajaraie but they’ve signed new players and are also the current Durand Cup title holders. Last time we faced them in the ISL many of our main team players missed the match due to a clash with the AFC calendar and eventually we lost the match 4-0.”

“We will be playing more home games this season that’s a positive side for us but at the same time we will wait for the opponents to make mistakes and will try to create chances from those mistakes. We’re a dynamic side want to build from the back and create a lot of chances and score more goals this season. NorthEast will compete at the highest-level tomorrow, even every away team will do the same thing this season but it’s more important that my team knows my style of play and be ready to play in a dynamic way.

The Spanish gaffer was asked about the signing of the sixth foreigner and the inclusion of Youssef Ezzejjari

He replied, “There is no official confirmation on the sixth foreigner from the club management yet so I will not comment on this. And Youssef is a very good player, a positive striker, his addition gives us a lot of strength and boost in our attacking position, just count on him.”

Mohammed Rashid speaks on team’s preparation and motivation ahead of ISL clash

Rashid stated, “We as professional footballers were very patient and kept on motivating ourselves by playing football and spending time with our family during the tough times. The club management and the coach helped us a lot in maintaining the fitness and motivated us during this tough times. The preparation is really good this time, and I can understand the frustration among the fans, but we are also hungry to win the trophy this time.”

“I am ready to score more long rangers this time and dedicate these goals to my newborn baby boy. We want to approach the season game-by game and follow the process of our head coach to bring out the positive results for the club and our fans.” he also added.

Oscar and Rashid’s message for the fans before their first home match of the ISL season

“Fans have come in large number in the friendly match against Mohammedan SC last week in our club’s ground so they are the main pillars of this team and the club so we will request them to come again in large number tomorrow and throughout the season to motivate us. I can understand their pain but this time we are also hungry to win the trophy for the club.” Rashid added.

“East Bengal has the best fanbase in India, probably in Asia. I know the historical background of the club and the fans know only one language that is the language of winning trophies. We need their support tomorrow and throughout the tournament. It’s our request to all the fans please come to the stadium, enjoy the game and show your support for East Bengal like you have done all through these years. This year the tactics will be same, but we will play more dynamic football and bring out the best possible results for the club and the fans.” Oscar finished off.

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