Oscar Bruzon bids farewell to East Bengal FC after ISL triumph
Bruzon put an end to East Bengal FC’s 22-year league drought.
Indian Super League (ISL) side East Bengal FC head coach Oscar Bruzon has announced his departure from the Kolkata giants through a social media post on Monday.
The Spaniard took charges of the Red and Gold Brigade in the mid-2024-25 season following Carles Cuadrat’s exit. Since joining the iconic club, East Bengal FC have undergone a massive change in terms of winning mentality, do-or-die character in demanding situations, and ultimately clinching the elusive silverware.
Oscar Bruzon helped East Bengal FC to lift their first-ever ISL title
When Bruzon joined the Kolkata giants, few could have expected that he would turn this team into ISL champions within a year. The Kolkata giants, who were mostly seen languishing in the bottom half of the league table since their arrival in the league, have turned the tide in their favour as they are crowned with the league title after a hiatus of 22 long years.
Bruzon, along with his fellow assistants, Adrian Rubio and Javier Sanchez, have mutually parted ways with the club. Rubio joined as the club’s backroom staff ahead of the 2025-26 season, while Sanchez was signed last year as a fitness coach.
Under the watchful eyes of Bruzon, East Bengal FC finished the ISL 2025-26 season with 26 points from 13 games, finishing at the summit of the points table. Bruzon’s man management, tactical acumen, and visionary player signing proved to be crucial in transforming the Red and Gold Brigade into one of the title contenders prior to the onset of the recent campaign.
Read more: Which coaches have won National League titles with East Bengal FC?
From ISL glory to qualify in the AFC Challenge League next season
The Kolkata giants also reached the finals of the IFA Shield and Super Cup this season, but ended up as the runners-up by missing out on the tiebreaker on both occasions. Bruzon’s men went down fighting against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giants in the IFA Shield decider and lost to FC Goa in the Super Cup final.
However, East Bengal FC bounced back in style as they showcased their potential in the top-tier league after overcoming a few early setbacks to seal a spot in continental tournaments for the upcoming season. The Red and Gold Brigade finished the season with a long 10-game unbeaten streak, a unique stat for the Kolkata giants in their recent past.
Additionally, the Spaniard also led the club to finish top in the AFC Challenge League group stage last year. Under his guidance, the Kolkata giants registered 28 points from 24 games in the last ISL season, the most by the club in a single campaign, overcoming the deficit of consecutive losses.
Following Oscar Bruzon’s departure, East Bengal FC will have to find a successor to fill the void left by the Spaniard. The Red and Gold Brigade will aim to shortlist candidates for the new head coach at the earliest and retain the core players to build the team for the coming season.
When did Oscar Bruzon join East Bengal FC?
Oscar Bruzon joined East Bengal FC in the mid-2024-25 season.
Who won the ISL title in the 2025-26 season?
East Bengal FC secured their first-ever ISL title in the 2025-26 season.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Shibashis is a sports journalist with over three years of experience covering Indian football. His work spans reporting, writing, and editing, with a strong focus on telling stories from across the Indian football landscape. Passionate about both Indian and European football, he continues to build his career by combining sharp reporting with a deep love for the game.