Oscar Bruzon gives East Bengal owners an Ultimatum on Future amid ISL Triumph

East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon has given a clear verdict on his future at the club after the joyous ISL campaign.

East Bengal ended 22 years of heartbreak by clinching the Indian Super League 2025-26 title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Inter Kashi at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Thursday (May 21).

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions. Inter Kashi took a shock lead in the 14th minute when Alfred Planas produced a stunning first-time volley. East Bengal, despite dominating early chances, looked rattled as the visitors threatened to extend their advantage.

However, the second half brought a complete turnaround. In the 50th minute, Anwar Ali delivered a brilliant long pass that released league top scorer Youssef Ezzejjari. The Moroccan forward raced clear, cleverly nutmegged the advancing keeper Shubham Dhas, and slotted the ball into the empty net to spark massive relief among the fans. East Bengal's persistence paid off in the 72nd minute when substitute Mohammed Rashid became the unlikely hero. Bipin Singh's dangerous cross from the right was met by Rashid, who stretched to steer the ball into the far corner, sending the stadium into pandemonium.

The win took East Bengal to the top of the table with 26 points from 13 matches. Although Mohun Bagan also won their final game 2-1, East Bengal's superior goal difference of five sealed the championship. As the final whistle blew, players engrossed in joy, fans embraced, and chants of "East Bengal" echoed through the night - marking a historic return to the summit of Indian football.

And at the post-match press conference, East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon addressed the speculation over his future. He credited the entire staff, players for the success.

"Thank you to the unbelievable group of players, fighters, having always had faith in our daily work, and they are the real protagonists of this success. Thank you to every member of the coaching staff and backroom staff," Bruzon said.

"When you take a team, you always ask for time, for a process, for development, for implementing all your ideas. But from mid-season and from being runners-up in the two main finals of the Cups this year, they believed in us, they convinced us and this is why we put that extra effort on the pitch to bring the joy after 22 years of not winning the title," he added.

Oscar Bruzon gives East Bengal Owners an Ultimatum

The Spaniard reiterated his willingness to stay, leaving the choice now with the club's owner. There have been speculations of him leaving, and the East Bengal coach has given a final date to the club for fresh plan.

"I'm not going to make any move until June. It's true, all of you know that I'm receiving proposals, but if on the 1st of June the club has a plan, I will be very happy to listen. This is not only for me, but I believe it's also for all the group of players and coaches. If the club comes with a plan, we will be very happy to come into talks, and if there is no plan, there will be no talks. So it's the only thing I can say about this," Bruzon concluded.

East Bengal fans are adamant about keeping Bruzon at the club after the ISL-winning season. It is to be seen how things materialize in the next nine days, as the outcome will determine the next chapter.