Oscar Bruzon to step down as East Bengal FC head coach at the end of ISL 2025-26 season

East Bengal FC to play Mumbai City FC away from home in their next match

On 3rd March 2026, ahead of the crucial top of the table clash between East Bengal FC and Mumbai City FC, the head coach of East Bengal FC, Oscar Bruzon announced in the pre match conference that he will be leaving East Bengal FC along with his coaching staff at the end of this ISL 2025-26 season.

This comes at a very crucial time of Indian Super League (ISL), as the race for not only the title but also the spot for ACL 2 is on the line. Oscar Bruzon is arguably one of the best head coaches who has led the historic club. He joined the pre match press conference alongside Jerry ahead of the clash against Mumbai City FC and made the announcement.

“I am a professional coach, as I said I started working on the plan in February last year. We are in May, there is no vision, no long-term vision, there is no planning, there is no continuity talks to the key players of the team. There is nothing about the future of East Bengal, so as a head coach and responsible of what happened this year in the team, I want to announce that this is my decision not to continue in East Bengal when we finish the season on 31st of May.” announced Oscar Bruzon.

“We have few weeks and we are going to put everything, my life my sweat and my blood to try to finish in the best position in the ISL. But the decision is mine, it’s not related to economics, it’s not related to club management winning or not winning, it’s not related to the position we finish in ISL or the uncertainty around the Indian Football, it’s only related to my personal decision that without a plan I am not a coach to be here.”

“As I think the things are not done well for the future of the club and I am the first person that I want to step back after the next 4 games of ISL, this decision have been taken together by my coaching staff and the 3 of us have decided that at the end of the season we will step back and allow East Bengal to plan as they want for the next season.” Bruzon concluded.

Press release by East Bengal FC

East Bengal FC have issued an official statement addressing the growing uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian football calendar and the Indian Super League.

In the press release, the club reaffirmed its long-term commitment towards building a strong and professional setup while also explaining the challenges caused by the lack of clarity from the AIFF regarding the upcoming season calendar.

“Emami East Bengal remains fully committed to developing the most formidable and professional coaching and playing teams, as we always have and always will.”

“The lack of clarity on the future of the Indian Super League is well known. As genuine well-wishers of football, fairness to our primary stakeholders, the coach and players, is paramount. Without confirmation of the calendar from the All-India Football Federation, we are not in a position to make commitments. They remain fully entitled to explore the best available options and pursue their careers.”

“Amid the instability faced by Indian football over the past year, when several clubs were compelled to reduce salaries, Emami East Bengal honoured all its financial obligations in full, without any pay cuts.”

“Our immediate focus remains on the ongoing championship. Once the official AIFF calendar is released, we will initiate the next phase of team building, assess performances, and take decisions in the best interests of the club. We remain hopeful of moving forward together in a constructive manner”.

A special place for the club and fans

As he prepares to leave East Bengal FC at the end of the season, head coach Oscar Bruzon opened up emotionally about his connection with the club and its supporters.

The Spaniard described his nearly two-year stay at East Bengal as a dream journey and called the club the most historic and iconic institution in Indian football.

“I want to say that I have almost completed 2 years here in East Bengal, it has been a dream and this is for me the most historical, iconic and successful club of India in the history of club football, the fans have been incredible to me and had the belief in me both in good and bad moments. That belief gives us more endurance and resilience to try to do things well. So, the fans of East Bengal for me will always remain the best fanbase in Asia.,” said Oscar Bruzon.

A tenure to remember

Despite his relatively short stint at East Bengal FC, Oscar Bruzon will surely be remembered as one of the club’s most influential modern-day coaches. His tenure may not have lasted long, but the impact he made on the team and the supporters was significant.

Under Bruzon, East Bengal played 43 matches, winning 21, drawing 10, and losing only 12 while scoring more than 80 goals across competitions. Beyond the numbers, he brought belief, attacking football, and a renewed fighting spirit to the club during an important phase.

As East Bengal now prepares to move in a new direction and plan for the future, Bruzon’s contribution and connection with the fans will always be fondly remembered by the Red and Gold faithful.

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