Indian Super League (ISL) side East Bengal FC is embarking on a new era with Oscar Bruzon taking over as head coach, succeeding Carles Cuadrat. Bruzon will lead the team through the remainder of the season and faces a significant challenge ahead.

He will need to turn around the team’s fortunes after four consecutive defeats in the ISL, which have left them at the bottom of the table. Additionally, the Spaniard will have to meet the supporters' expectactions and deliver results on the continental stage too as they compete in the AFC Challenge Cup.

With experience in both club and international football, Bruzon has spent much of his professional career in the Asian football landscape.

Here are a few key insights about the new head coach of East Bengal FC.

Young but tons of experience

At 47, Bruzon boasts an impressive coaching experience of 17 years. He began his coaching journey in 2007, just four years after his professional playing career ended, which spanned from 1998 to 2003.

Bruzon started managing in Spain, working with youth teams at Areosa and Celta de Vigo. His first head coach position came in 2012 when he ventured abroad to join Sporting Clube de Goa. Since then, his career has taken him to Bangladesh and the Maldives, where he further made a name for himself. Notably, he also served as the interim coach of the Bangladesh national team in 2021, adding international experience to his resume.

Taste of the ISL

Bruzon is well-acquainted with Indian football, having previously worked with clubs like Sporting Clube de Goa and Mumbai FC. His time at these two clubs was complemented by a stint as an assistant coach at Mumbai City FC during the 2015 ISL season. Working alongside player-cum-head coach Nicolas Anelka, Bruzon was part of the coaching staff as the team narrowly missed out on qualifying for the playoffs, finishing in fifth place that season.

Made a mark in Bangladesh

Bruzon stands out as the most successful coach in the history of the Bangladesh Premier League, having led Bashundhara Kings to five league titles along with six other trophies, including three Independence Cup and three Federation Cup titles. His tenure with Bashundhara Kings was remarkable, as he guided the team to an impressive 94 wins in 114 matches, achieving an outstanding average of 2.59 points per match. Not only did his side secure results, but they also played entertaining football, scoring a total of 277 goals during his time in charge.

Impressive record in AFC competitions

Bruzon has notable experience in the AFC Cup, one of Asia’s premier club competitions, achieving impressive results with his former clubs New Radiant FC and Bashundhara Kings. Over the course of his coaching career, he has managed 19 games in the tournament, securing 11 wins.

In the 2023-24 AFC Cup, Bashundhara Kings were drawn in the same group as ISL sides Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The Bangladeshi team exceeded expectations by defeating both Indian clubs at home and finishing second in their group, above Mohun Bagan SG.

They ultimately lost out on the Inter-Zone Playoff Semi-final spot to Odisha FC in a decisive group match. Bashundhara finished with 10 points from six games, just two points shy of Sergio Lobera’s side, despite both teams suffering two defeats in the group stages.

Has won trophies across Asia

Bruzon's coaching career as a head coach has taken him across three different countries in Asia, where he has consistently achieved success. In his inaugural role as head coach, he led Sporting Clube de Goa to the 2013-14 Goa Professional League title and also guided them to a runner-up finish in the Federation Cup that season.

Before making history with Bashundhara Kings, Bruzon had a remarkable stint at Maldivian club New Radiant SC. In his debut season, he helped the club secure the Dhivehi Premier League title, along with victories in the Maldives FA Cup, the President’s Cup, and the Maldivian FA Charity Shield.

5️⃣ x consecutive Bangladesh Premier League 🏆
3️⃣ x Bangladesh Independence Cup 🏆
3️⃣ x Bangladesh Federation Cup 🏆
1️⃣ x Dhivehi Premier League 🏆
1️⃣ x Maldives FA Cup 🏆
1️⃣ x Maldivian President's Cup 🏆
1️⃣ x Maldivian FA Charity Shield 🛡️
9️⃣4️⃣ wins in 1️⃣1️⃣4️⃣ BPL games 🙌
A win… pic.twitter.com/mPIzxC4xIZ

— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) October 9, 2024

Following a historic tenure with Bashundhara Kings, Bruzon will hope to replicate that success at East Bengal FC as he returns to India. His extensive experience and proven track record will be crucial as he takes on this new challenge.