East Bengal appoint Óscar Bruzón as new head coach

The former Bashundhara Kings tactician will mark his return to Indian football with East Bengal FC.

Emami East Bengal FC have secured the services of 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.

Welcoming Bruzón to the Emami East Bengal FC family, Mr Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal of Emami Group said,

“Óscar 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 Emami East Bengal. 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.”

Óscar 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 seven matches while drawing 13.

Under Bruzón’s reign, Bashundhara Kings won five consecutive Bangladesh Premier League, three Independence Cup, and three 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. 

Óscar 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 Indian Super League (ISL) clubs in last season’s AFC Cup, whilst narrowly missing out on the knockout stages of the tournament.

Oscar Bruzon marks his return to Indian Football as head coach of East Bengal FC 😯 🔥#IndianFootball #ISL #EastBengalFC #oscarbruzon pic.twitter.com/NN3uzTABHz

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) October 8, 2024

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. Óscar 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 Emami East Bengal FC, 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.”

Óscar Bruzón 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 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.”

The 47-year-old also appreciated 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 amazing to be a part of this family. Together, we will lift the spirit of the team and deliver positive results in return for your unconditional love.”

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