East Bengal Part Ways with Cleiton Silva After Fallout with Coach Oscar Bruzon Ahead of Super Cup

In a surprising turn of events, East Bengal have officially announced the departure of Brazilian striker Cleiton Silva just days before the 2025 Super Cup. The veteran attacker, who also served as team captain, exits under tense circumstances following a visible rift with new head coach Oscar Bruzon.

With this development, the Red and Gold Brigade’s preparations for their Super Cup opener against Kerala Blasters on April 20 in Bhubaneswar face a new challenge.

Tensions Boil Over Between Captain and Coach

The relationship between Cleiton Silva and Oscar Bruzon appeared strained from the start, and the friction finally came to a head during a friendly fixture against Chennaiyin FC. The 38-year-old forward stormed off the field mid-game, reportedly due to a disagreement with Bruzon. While specifics of the fallout remain under wraps, the incident all but confirmed that Silva’s future at the club was in jeopardy.

East Bengal later confirmed his departure via a brief statement, ending speculation and marking the conclusion of a two-year spell that had seen both highs and lows for the Brazilian.

A Legacy of Goals and Grit

Cleiton Silva joined the Kolkata-based outfit in 2022 from Bengaluru FC, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record. Over two seasons, he netted 20 goals in all competitions, becoming a key figure in East Bengal’s attacking arsenal. His contribution was vital during the club’s Super Cup-winning run earlier this year, solidifying his place in the club’s modern history.

Despite his pedigree, Silva endured a goal drought in the most recent Indian Super League campaign, failing to score in 18 appearances. This form slump, coupled with the changing tactical dynamics under Bruzon, saw the forward fall out of favour in recent months.

Oscar Bruzon’s Influence and Squad Reshuffle

Since assuming the reins, Oscar Bruzon has sought to reshape the East Bengal squad according to his footballing philosophy. His tenure has already been marked by bold decisions, with Silva’s exit arguably being the most dramatic one yet. The coach’s preference for pressing, high-intensity football seems to have clashed with the veteran striker’s style, leading to their eventual fallout.

With the squad undergoing restructuring, East Bengal now finds itself with just five available foreign players ahead of the Super Cup — Hector Yuste, Saul Crespo, Richard Celis, Dimitrios Diamantakos, and Raphael Messi Bouli. This limited pool of international talent raises questions about squad depth and tactical flexibility in the upcoming tournament.

Official Word on the Departure

Although East Bengal’s statement remained concise, it confirmed the mutual nature of the split between Silva and the club. A club official said, “East Bengal and Cleiton Silva have parted ways ahead of the upcoming Super Cup.”

The departure, though expected after recent events, still marks a significant loss in terms of leadership and experience.

Super Cup Preparations Now Under Spotlight

East Bengal’s Super Cup campaign kicks off against Kerala Blasters on April 20 in Bhubaneswar. The departure of Silva not only disrupts the team’s preparations but also puts additional pressure on Bruzon to deliver results with a reshuffled squad.

The match will be closely watched, as fans and pundits alike assess how the team adapts in Silva’s absence.

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