Also Read Bengali | অস্কারের পর বড় ধাক্কা! ইস্টবেঙ্গল ছাড়লেন জাভিয়ের স্যাঞ্জেজও

Physical trainer Javier Sanchez has officially ended his association with the Red-and-Gold Brigade, bringing to a close a successful chapter that culminated in East Bengal’s historic Indian Super League triumph.

On Saturday night, Oscar Bruzon put an end to all speculation by confirming through social media that he would not renew his contract with the club despite receiving an offer from the management. The Spaniard’s decision came as a major disappointment for supporters, many of whom had hoped to see him lead the team in the upcoming AFC competitions after last season’s memorable success.

Now, Javier Sanchez has followed the coach out of the club.

Sharing a photograph of East Bengal’s historic ISL title celebration, Sanchez posted an emotional farewell message for the club and its supporters.

“As my time at East Bengal FC comes to an end, I want to express my deepest gratitude. It has been a privilege to work alongside our staff, players, and the incredible team behind the scenes at this club,” he wrote.

The fitness expert also paid tribute to the passionate East Bengal fanbase, whose unwavering support played a major role throughout the season.

“To the supporters, your passion is what truly makes this club special. I am grateful for the support you gave us every step of the way. I leave with wonderful memories and immense pride in what we achieved together.”

Thanking everyone associated with the club, Sanchez added:

“Thank you for making this journey so meaningful. I wish the club nothing but success and all the very best for the future.”

The departures of both Oscar Bruzon and Javier Sanchez mark the end of an era that delivered one of the most successful seasons in East Bengal’s recent history. With pre-season preparations approaching, the club management now faces the challenge of rebuilding its coaching and support staff while maintaining the momentum generated by last season’s ISL-winning campaign.

Also Read Bengali | প্রস্তাব পেয়েও ইস্টবেঙ্গলে আর ফিরছেন না অস্কার, দলের দায়িত্বে কে?

For East Bengal supporters, Bruzon will always be remembered as the man who helped restore the club’s lost glory. After years of struggles in Indian football’s top tier, he took charge of the Kolkata giants and gradually transformed them into genuine title contenders. While silverware eluded the club in his first season, East Bengal’s performances showed clear signs of progress under his leadership.

Determined to go one step further, the club management built a stronger squad for the following campaign, focusing on a blend of quality foreign recruits and promising Indian talent. Following Bruzon’s vision, East Bengal enjoyed a successful season, making strong impressions in competitions such as the Durand Cup, IFA Shield, and Super Cup.

However, the ultimate target remained the Indian Super League. The team finally achieved that dream by defeating Inter Kashi in the title-deciding match and ending a 22-year wait for a national league championship. The triumph sparked celebrations among East Bengal supporters across the country.

Also Read | Pritam Kotal To Bengaluru FC? Transfer Speculation Grows Around Veteran Defender

In recent weeks, however, uncertainty has surrounded the club due to transfer developments. Players like Sayan Bandyopadhyay have already moved on, while Brazilian star Miguel Ferreira is reportedly set to join a rival club. Amid these changes, fans had hoped that Bruzon would continue his journey with the Red-and-Gold Brigade.

Those hopes were dashed when the coach released a statement on social media confirming his departure.

“I want to address the recent speculation directly. East Bengal FC formally offered me a contract renewal as head coach, and I am deeply grateful for that trust,” Bruzon wrote.

“After careful consideration, I have decided not to continue with the club. This was not an easy decision, but I believe it is the right step for the next stage of my career.”

The Spaniard also reflected on the achievements of his tenure.

“I leave with immense pride in what we built together. Reaching the final stages of an AFC international competition, winning the ISL title after a 22-year wait, and competing in two major cup finals are memories I will always cherish.”

He went on to thank everyone associated with the club.

“None of this would have been possible without the club’s management, players, staff, and especially the supporters who stood by us throughout the season.”

Concluding his message, Bruzon wrote: “Thank you, East Bengal, for everything.”

With Bruzon’s departure now confirmed, attention will shift to the club’s next move as East Bengal begin the search for a new head coach to lead the reigning ISL champions into a new era.

Initially, Bino George supervised the training sessions, but soon after arriving in the city, the Spanish coach took full charge. After weeks of preparation in Kolkata, the Red and Gold brigade finally arrived in Goa. However, in the midst of all this, one of the team’s most reliable defenders, Joy Gupta, suffered an injury. This undoubtedly sparked concern within the camp. As a result, over the past few days, the Indian defender has mainly been working on his fitness from the sidelines. If he is unavailable for the upcoming semifinal, it could significantly impact the team’s performance.

There is no need to state that again. Still, the management’s top priority was to get him fully fit before the match. According to the latest update, during the final training session on the eve of the semifinal, the national team defender was seen practicing with the main squad in high spirits. This clearly indicates that he is much fitter than before. However, whether Oscar will include him in the starting XI remains the big question, and everyone’s attention will be on that decision.

On the other hand, Dilmpers’ Punjab FC is determined to beat East Bengal and secure their place in the final. After completing preparations in their home city, the opposition camp arrived in Goa a few days ago. The Greek coach has prepared the team keeping East Bengal’s strengths and weaknesses in mind.

Although that match ended in a draw after full time, East Bengal advanced to the semifinals thanks to goal difference. Naturally, supporters were quite pleased. After a long break, the semifinals are finally scheduled to be held tomorrow, where Oscar Bruzón’s side will face Panagiotis Dilmpeleris’ Punjab FC. Punjab had already stunned a strong team like Bengaluru FC earlier to secure their semifinal berth, so everyone knows this will be no easy contest.

That is why players like Miguel Figuera and Anwar Ali had begun intense training weeks in advance. But just a few days before the semifinal, worrying news emerged—reliable defender Joy Gupta picked up an injury during practice. He was seen mostly on the sidelines afterward. Oscar is fully aware of how much Joy’s absence in such a crucial match could benefit the opposition, so he had already begun preparing alternative plans.

According to various reports, if Joy Gupta is unable to play this match, Oscar Bruzón may turn to another Indian defender, Lalchungnunga, as his replacement. Additionally, Bengali footballer Prabhat Lakra is also being considered as an option. However, in Wednesday’s training session ahead of the semifinal, Joy Gupta looked quite lively. If everything goes well, East Bengal’s head coach might go ahead with his original plan and include him in the starting lineup.

Mohun Bagan Eyes Smooth Sail After Early-Season Turbulence

Indian Super League (ISL) champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant began the new season under pressure after a rocky few months. The Mariners were knocked out by East Bengal in the Durand Cup and later withdrew from the AFC Champions League 2 — decisions that led to widespread protests from their fan base. However, the storm seems to have settled. Under Spanish coach Jose Molina, Bagan rediscovered form, lifting the IFA Shield in October and opening its Super Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC.

Now, the Mariners face Dempo SC in their next Group A fixture at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Tuesday. A win will all but secure their place in the semifinals — provided East Bengal or Chennaiyin drop points in the earlier match at Bambolim.

Bagan’s squad depth remains one of its biggest strengths. Australian forwards Jason Cummings and Jamie Maclaren, both World Cup participants, have already made their mark, with Cummings netting both goals against Chennaiyin. Molina, however, faces a tactical dilemma — whether to continue with both strikers or deploy Brazilian playmaker Robson Robinho in a creative midfield role behind a lone forward. With Indian wingers Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco offering pace and width, the Mariners will look to maintain their attacking rhythm against a disciplined Dempo side.

Dempo Aims to Keep Rising After I-League Return

Dempo SC, a three-time national champion, stunned defending Super Cup champion East Bengal with a 2-2 draw in its tournament opener. Once a powerhouse in Indian football, Dempo had faded from the top flight after withdrawing from the I-League in 2016. Their recent promotion back to the league has revived hopes among Goan fans of a return to glory.

Under club legend and head coach Samir Naik, the Golden Eagles are determined to show they can still compete with India’s elite. The last meeting between senior sides of Bagan and Dempo in Goa ended 1-1 — a result that eventually brought an end to Arthur Papas’s tenure as Dempo coach. This time, Naik’s men will aim for a more memorable outcome, one that could keep their semifinal dreams alive and further shake up Group A.

East Bengal Seeks Redemption and Consistency

For East Bengal, the Super Cup campaign has been a story of promise marred by inconsistency. Under Oscar Bruzon, the Red-and-Gold Brigade reached the semifinals of the Durand Cup and the final of the IFA Shield, but both campaigns ended in heartbreak — a loss to lower-division side Diamond Harbour in the Durand semis and a penalty defeat to Bagan in the Shield final.

Conceding late goals has been a recurring problem. Dempo’s 89th-minute equalizer in the Super Cup opener once again exposed the team’s defensive frailty and mental lapses. To make matters worse, internal unrest has surfaced, with goalkeeping coach Sandip Nandy resigning after the IFA Shield defeat, reportedly due to dressing-room tensions.

Bruzon, however, remains optimistic. His first away victory as East Bengal coach in the ISL came against Chennaiyin — the same opponent his team will face next. A win will keep East Bengal’s semifinal hopes alive and set up a high-voltage derby where both sides could be battling for survival.

Chennaiyin Looks to Rekindle Spirit Under Clifford Miranda

Chennaiyin FC, fielding an all-Indian squad this season, has struggled for cohesion but remains eager to prove its mettle under coach Clifford Miranda. The former Odisha FC boss guided his side to its first-ever Super Cup title two years ago and will hope to recreate that success on Goan soil.

As Group A tightens, every point matters. For Bagan, a win against Dempo could mean smooth passage to the semifinals; for East Bengal, it’s about survival and revival before the grand Kolkata Derby. The next few days promise high drama, tactical battles, and the kind of passion that defines Indian football’s fiercest rivalry.