East Bengal FC are set to appoint veteran Spanish coach Antonio Lopez Habas as their new head coach ahead of the upcoming domestic season, marking the return of one of Indian football’s most successful managers to Kolkata.
The move comes after Oscar Bruzon parted ways with the club despite overseeing a remarkable turnaround. Bruzon took charge midway through the campaign following Carles Cuadrat’s departure and transformed East Bengal from a struggling side into genuine title contenders.
His biggest achievement came on the final matchday of the Indian Super League, when East Bengal produced a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Inter Kashi to secure the league title. The Torchbearers finished level on points and head-to-head record with rivals Mohun Bagan but lifted the trophy thanks to a superior goal difference, ending a wait of nearly two decades for the country’s top domestic honour.
Bruzon also guided East Bengal to the Super Cup final, where they narrowly lost to the Gaurs in a penalty shootout, while his side also ended Mohun Bagan’s dominance in the Kolkata derby by defeating the Mariners in the Durand Cup quarter-finals.
With Bruzon’s departure, East Bengal have turned to a familiar and decorated figure in Habas. During his playing career, the former defender featured for Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Murcia, helping the latter earn promotion to La Liga after winning the Segunda Division in 1983.
His coaching career has taken him across several countries. Habas managed Bolivia in two Copa America tournaments, leading the national team to the tournament final before they were beaten 3-1 by Brazil. He also held managerial roles at clubs including Celta Vigo, Valencia and Mamelodi Sundowns before arriving in India.
Habas made history in the inaugural ISL season by leading Atletico De Kolkata to the league title in 2014. After a spell with FC Pune City, he returned to ATK and guided the club to another ISL triumph, becoming the first coach to win the competition twice with the same team. He later stepped in as interim coach of Mohun Bagan Super Giant before taking charge of Inter Kashi, where he guided the club to the I-League title and promotion to the top flight before leaving due to financial uncertainty.
East Bengal believe Habas’ experience, trophy-winning pedigree and familiarity with the demands of Kolkata football make him the ideal choice to lead the Red and Gold Brigade. His disciplined approach is also expected to complement key signings including Danish Farooq, Boris Singh and Sandip Mandi as the club prepares to defend its domestic crown.
