Indian Football & ISL Transfer News
ISL champions East Bengal FC announce the signing of Antonio Lopez Habas
Former Mohun Bagan coach replaces Oscar Bruzon
East Bengal FC, the reigning Indian Super League champions, appoints renowned Spanish tactician Antonio López Habas as the Head Coach of the Club’s Men’s Senior Football Team for the 2026–27 season.
The former Mohun Bagan and Inter Kashi head coach joins the ISL champions for the 2026-27 season. After the departure of Oscar Bruzon, another Spanish coach with experience in the ISL is ready to serve the Red and Gold Brigade.
A renowned face in Kolkata football
Antonio Lopez Habas has been one of the most successful head coaches in Indian football since the inception of the Indian Super League. The veteran Spaniard has three Indian Super League titles (two Cups and a Shield) and an I-League trophy in his cabinet.
The former Atletico Madrid player has a decorated managerial career, having helmed renowned Spanish clubs such as Valencia, Celta de Vigo and Sporting Gijón, besides leading the Bolivian national team to a runners-up finish at the 1997 Copa América.
Habas shared his excitement, “It is my true honour to join East Bengal. I embrace this challenge with excitement, humility and a great sense of responsibility. From today, all our efforts will be dedicated to representing this badge with pride and fighting together to achieve the club’s ambitions. I am looking forward to seeing all the fans soon in Kolkata!”
East Bengal FC has also signed Carlos Agustin Fonseca Teijeiro as the Assistant Coach of the Men’s Senior Football Team for the 2026–27 season.
Also Read: ISL side Mohun Bagan announce the signing of Panagiotis Dilmperis
Fonseca Teijeiro joins the club with extensive international coaching experience and an impressive technical background.
His expertise, professionalism and modern coaching philosophy will significantly strengthen the Club’s technical staff and complement the vision of Head Coach Antonio Lopez Habas.
A new era begins
Welcoming Antonio Lopez Habas to the Red & Gold family, East Bengal Club President Mr M.L. Lohia shared his excitement.
“We are delighted to welcome Antonio Lopez Habas to the East Bengal family. Coach Habas is one of the most accomplished and respected football coaches to have worked in Indian football. His proven leadership, tactical acumen, professionalism, and winning mentality make him an ideal choice to lead our team into a new era.”
“East Bengal is more than just a football club—it is an institution built on passion, pride and the unwavering support of millions of fans across the globe. We are confident that Coach Habas shares these values and will inspire our players to uphold the rich legacy of this great Club. On behalf of the entire East Bengal family, I extend him a very warm welcome and wish him the very best in this exciting journey”, he concluded with.
Who is the new head coach of East Bengal FC?
Antonio Lopez Habas has been appointed as the new head coach of East Bengal FC for the 2026–27 season.
How many Indian Super League titles has Antonio Lopez Habas won?
Habas has won three Indian Super League titles, including two ISL Cups and one ISL Shield.
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Rohit Mistri is a sports journalist from Kolkata with over two years of experience in the field. He has extensively covered Indian football, including major tournaments such as the Calcutta Football League and the Indian Super League. His work spans on-ground reporting, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling, along with interviews of prominent sporting personalities. Rohit brings strong communication skills and a deep passion for sports narratives to everything he writes.