East Bengal Coach Oscar Bruzon makes Remarkable allegations against Three Ex-Players

In a dramatic twist ahead of a crucial Indian Super League (ISL 2025-26) clash against Punjab FC, East Bengal head coach Óscar Bruzón launched a scathing attack on three club legends - Alvito D'Cunha, Syed Rahim Nabi, and Sandip Nandy, labeling them as "harmful to the club's progress.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on May 10, 2026, alongside forward Vishnu PV, the Spanish tactician accused the former players of constant criticism without offering constructive support. Bruzón referenced the heavy backlash following East Bengal's recent match against Kerala Blasters, where club officials, ex-players, and fans heavily criticized his tactics and team performance.

"They never talk about how the club can succeed or win titles, Bruzón said

at the pre-match press conference.

"They only criticize and belittle. They don't want the club's success. They were not just criticizing me but also my players. I want to tell the fans that these people are harmful to the club," he added.

He noted that the trio had gone silent during East Bengal's recent winning streak, implying their comments were opportunistic.

The remarks come at a sensitive time. East Bengal currently sits near the top of the ISL table with strong title aspirations, yet Bruzón has already announced he will leave the club at the end of the season due to a lack of long-term planning from the management.

The former players hit back sharply. Alvito D'Cunha, a devoted East Bengal stalwart, dismissed the comments, saying the club was like a mother to him and that he only wanted success for the Red and Gold brigade.

"I don't care what Oscar says. My focus is on the fans and seeing them happy, he remarked.

Rahim Nabi was more blunt: "He can't even get my name right - called me Rahim Ali. What trophy has he won to talk so big? Win a trophy first, then we'll listen.

Sandip Nandy accused Bruzón of diverting focus from the Punjab match and harming team morale.

East Bengal sit atop of the ISL points table, and a win against Punjab FC would further consolidate their place. The Red and Gold brigade will play probably a title decided against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan on May 17.