Dark forces were acting against our interest: Oscar Bruzon

In September, with less than a month to go for the SAFF Championship, Bangladesh Football Federation sacked Jamie Day and appointed Bashundhara Kings coach Oscar Bruzon as the head coach of the national team. With just three weeks of preparation, the Spaniard took Bangladesh to within a step of the SAFF Championship final, but a draw against Nepal due to a controversial penalty call took that chance away. And after Bangladesh’s final game against Nepal, Bruzon spoke with The Business Post’s Shams Rahman on their SAFF Championship and if he was going to continue as the head coach of Bangladesh.

The Business Post: First of all, congratulations on the performance and hard luck for how it ended. How much have you enjoyed the job?

Oscar Bruzon: The journey has been fantastic, but we could not reach our desired destination, which was no other than playing the final game.

TBP: How proud are you of the team?

Oscar Bruzon: The players have been phenomenal. They performed well game after game, and they deserve the praise as there were continuous critics and doubts about their potential and capabilities.

TBP: Under you, we saw a very different Bangladesh than what we saw under Jamie Day. What did you change?

Oscar Bruzon: I benefited from the previous work done by Jamie. He is my colleague, and football has always had different ways of interpretation.

The Business Post: How would you analyse the performance of the team? Do you think you have done what you intended to do?

Oscar Bruzon: We were the team playing a good brand of football. We now have an identity that everybody feels part of it. I hope BFF gives continuity to the current style.

TBP: You used a 4-1-4-1 formation in SAFF. Were you trying to overcrowd the midfield or use the inside wingers as men in the box to fix Bangladesh’s scoring problems?

Oscar Bruzon: We used different formations (mostly 4-1-4-1 and 4-4-2), and players. Because football is a dynamic game that requires adjustments, depending on the rivals and the different game moments.

TBP: If Eleta could play, do you think the results would be different?

Oscar Bruzon: Eleta is a goal scorer, and this is one of the areas our team need to improve. The conversion ratio has definitely been a problem in recent times.

TBP: Do you think Bangladesh should try and get more ex-pat players like Tariq and Jamal to improve? Or they should invest more in the local talent?

Oscar Bruzon: We have a very competitive Bangladesh Premier League where the best players will always be called up for the National Team. In the case an ex-pat player improves the current set of players, he will always be welcome. But the reality is that there are only a few who can do it.

TBP: About the last match, how do you feel about the penalty awarded to Nepal?

Oscar Bruzon: Our dressing room atmosphere was dramatic because of the controversial decision of the referee. After the draw with India, when everybody understood our real potential, many dark forces were acting against our interests.

TBP: Zico’s performance has caught everyone’s eyes. Do you believe he is good enough to play in Europe?

Oscar Bruzon: Zico is a top goalkeeper, and together with him, there are also other players who could be playing overseas.

TBP: If offered, will you continue as the coach of Bangladesh or go back to coaching Basundhara Kings?

Oscar Bruzon: There will come a time to discuss what is better for all parties. I am grateful to BFF President and Bashundhara Kings President for considering me as a good option to take over the national team for the SAFF tournament.

The most important is that Bangladesh football is gradually raising the bar.