East Bengal’s coach, Oscar Bruzon, is eager to usher in a new era at the club, with the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) match against Mohammedan SC on November 9, 2024, offering the perfect opportunity for a fresh start. The Red and Gold brigade has endured a challenging start to the season, having lost all six of their league matches so far. However, Bruzon is determined to turn things around and is optimistic about the chance to secure their first points in this Kolkata Derby.
Bruzon's approach for the match against Mohammedan is clear: he wants his team to play with a fast, fluid style of football, emphasizing quick ball circulation and efficient use of space. He pointed out that a key focus will be on balancing the team's attacking and defensive strategies. Despite their struggles in the league, particularly in defensive transitions, Bruzon believes that fine-tuning these areas will lead to better results. "Our approach will be playing a fast circulation on the ball, trying to connect with central areas and use our speed out wide. The most important thing, however, is how we balance the team when we lose possession," he explained.
Bruzon’s respect for their opponents, Mohammedan SC, was evident as he acknowledged their strengths. "Mohammedan has good players in central areas, and they are a team quite balanced," Bruzon noted, though he remains confident in his side's ability to take on their opponents with the right mindset and performance.
The coach also expressed deep gratitude for the patience and support he has received from East Bengal's fans, especially after the team's disappointing start to the season. Bruzon remarked, "I could never expect such a good welcome, but everybody was patient with the results." This support from the fans has been crucial for Bruzon as he works to rebuild the team’s confidence and form.
In terms of squad decisions, Bruzon stressed that current form would be the deciding factor in team selection, rather than nationality or previous reputations. He made it clear that every player would be challenged to give their best performance each week. "Every week, we are challenging all our players to perform at their best," Bruzon affirmed. Regarding injuries, he confirmed that Provat Lakra and Nishu Kumar would likely miss the game, with Nishu still recovering from an injury. He also hinted at the possibility of Hijazi Maher playing, but kept his plans under wraps, saying, "I’m not going to give clues to our rival about the starting lineup. We’ve been working on a lot of models this week."
East Bengal player Nandha Kumar also attended the press conference and reflected on the changes under Bruzon's leadership. Nandha highlighted the optimism and energy that often accompany a change in coaching staff, noting that this new energy could help turn East Bengal’s fortunes around. "Every time there’s a change in coach, there is a new optimism and energy at the club," Nandha said. He also emphasized the need for the team to maintain a clean sheet, as it would be key to securing points and moving up the table.
Bruzon also reflected on the painful sight of fans leaving the stadium early during the previous derby against Mohun Bagan. He expressed a strong desire to change that narrative, starting with a positive result against Mohammedan. "In my first derby here with Mohun Bagan, I saw fans leaving the stadium in the 88th or 90th minute. That was really painful for me," Bruzon recalled. "I hope that after this match, we can give our fans the best result, and at the end of the game, we can celebrate with them the start of a new era for the club."
With this renewed sense of optimism and a clear tactical plan, Oscar Bruzon is hopeful that East Bengal can turn the page on their difficult start and begin their journey toward a successful season, starting with a crucial win over Mohammedan SC in the Kolkata Derby.
