Oscar Bruzon may yet stay at East Bengal. Fresh off ending the club’s 22-year wait for a national league title, the Spanish head coach has indicated he could reverse his decision to leave — but only if the club presents a clear plan for the future by June 1.
Bruzon’s comments came amid celebrations after a dramatic 2-1 win over Inter Kashi in the Indian Super League finale on Thursday, a result that crowned East Bengal champions on goal difference. The victory marks the Red and Gold Brigade’s first league triumph in over two decades and has reignited talk about the coach’s future in Kolkata.
The final itself was a test of nerve. Inter Kashi drew first blood through Alfred Planas, who punished a defensive lapse to put East Bengal under pressure early. The Kolkata side responded after the break, with Youssef Ezzejjari leveling the score soon after halftime. The decisive moment arrived in the 72nd minute when Palestinian midfielder Mohammed Rashid struck a superb winner, sealing the 2-1 result and sending the East Bengal faithful into raptures.
The win took East Bengal to 26 points from 13 matches, level with city rivals Mohun Bagan. However, Bruzon’s men lifted the trophy thanks to a superior goal difference of 19-14, closing out a historic campaign.
Before the title decider, Bruzon had expressed frustration over the uncertainty surrounding the next ISL season and hinted that the Inter Kashi game would be his last in charge. The euphoria of delivering a long-awaited title appears to have softened that stance.
“Regarding my future, I will say the same thing that I’ve been saying throughout the season — I will not make any move till June,” Bruzon told reporters after the match. “If by June 1 the club has a proper plan, then I will be very happy to sit and talk.”
He stressed that the issue goes beyond his own position and affects the entire setup. “But if the club itself does not have clarity or planning after June, then it’s not only difficult for me but for the whole group of players and coaches. Without planning, there cannot be discussions,” he said.
Reflecting on the title-winning performance, Bruzon acknowledged that Inter Kashi controlled large spells of the first half and looked the calmer side. He credited halftime tactical changes for turning the game around. “We made some tactical decisions during halftime and, thank God, the planning worked. We were working quietly behind the scenes. I am very happy and proud to leave as champions,” he said.
The Spaniard also thanked the club’s management and backroom staff for backing his vision during a challenging season. “On behalf of the coaching staff, I want to thank Emami for their support and belief in the project,” Bruzon added.
For now, East Bengal’s celebrations continue. But with the ISL’s structural roadmap for next season still unclear, Bruzon’s stay hinges on what the club can put on the table before June.
