After leading East Bengal to their first domestic league title in 22 years, coach Oscar Bruzon has hinted that he may not leave the club and will hold talks with the management next month for clarity on the future of the Indian Super League.
East Bengal came from behind to beat Inter Kashi 2-1 in a dramatic ISL final here on Thursday, with the win helping it finish top of the table with 26 points from 13 matches, ahead of Mohun Bagan with a superior goal difference (19-14).
“As for my future, I will say the same thing I have said all season: I will not make any move until June,” Bruzon said during the post-match media interaction.
The future of ISL remains uncertain amid another standoff between clubs and the AIFF over commercial and broadcast structures.
Several franchises have pushed for a club-led operating and commercial model, while uncertainty over the roadmap has stalled player contracts and team renewals.
Bruzon had earlier publicly stated that he might not continue with East Bengal if there was no clarity on the next ISL season and had said that the final round match (Friday against Inter Kashi) would be his ‘last’ with the club, with lack of clarity on the next season.
But after creating history with East Bengal, the Spaniard hinted that he is open to further discussions.
“If the club has a good plan by June 1, then I will be very happy to sit down and talk,” he said.
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«But if the club itself has no clarity or planning after June, it is not only difficult for me but for the entire group of players and coaches. Without planning, discussions cannot take place.» Reflecting on the title-winning campaign, Bruzon thanked the club management and support staff for supporting his vision in uncertain times.
«We worked quietly behind the scenes. I am very happy and proud to leave as champion,» he said.
“On behalf of the technical staff, I would like to thank Emami for their support and belief in the project.” East Bengal had fallen behind in the final after Alfred Planas struck early for Inter Kashi, but Youssef Ezzejjari equalized shortly after half-time before Mohammed Rashid scored the decisive winner in the 72nd minute.
Bruzon admitted that tactical changes at half-time were decisive.
«Inter Kashi were calmer and controlled many parts of the pitch in the first half. We made some tactical decisions at half-time and, thank God, the planning worked,» he said.
Proud Palestinian
Palestinian midfielder Rashid, who scored the title-winning goal, said the triumph had emotional significance given the difficult situation in his home country.
«We have been facing difficult times at home for many years. Being Palestinian is not easy,» Rashid said.
«Yesterday, two of my friends who played in Egypt and Romania also won their respective competitions. We all played together for the national team. I carry this moment with great pride.» When asked if he would stay with East Bengal, Rashid said the atmosphere around the club made it special.
“It’s a very difficult question because at the moment no one knows what will happen to the ISL next season,” he said.
«But if I have the choice, yes, of course. I enjoyed my time here. You see the atmosphere, this is something to die for.»
ISL calendar needed for future plan: Emami
Vibhash Agarwal of Emami Group, meanwhile, said future planning would depend on clarity from the AIFF on the ISL calendar and structure.
«For that, we first need the ISL calendar. I can’t speak hypothetically at this point. It’s difficult to say anything at this stage,» he said.
Vibhash dedicated the triumph to the supporters of East Bengal.
«It’s all for the fans. I’m super excited for them. I have no words right now,» he said.
“They were incredible and our coach built the best team in India.”
Published on May 22, 2026
