Chennaiyin FC part ways with coach Materazzi

Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Chennaiyin FC has parted ways with Italian chief coach Marco Materazzi, who guided the southern outfit to glory in 2015 edition of the football tournament, it was announced on Monday.

The 2006 FIFA World Cup winner was in charge of Chennaiyin in the first three seasons of the ISL.

He was player-cum-coach in the first season, making seven appearances as a player, with Chennaiyin finishing top of the league standings before narrowly losing in the semi-finals against Kerala Blasters.

The former Inter Milan star guided Chenaniyin to the title in the second season as they dramatically came from behind to beat hosts FC Goa 3-2 in the final. A record-breaking five-game winning run was instrumental in that triumph as Materazzi inspired the players to success from the brink of elimination.

In 2016, Chennaiying failed to qualify for the semi-finals.

"We thank Marco for three memorable seasons and wish him the very best for the future. He will forever be a Chennaiyin FC legend and is also guaranteed a place in ISL history. Marco will always be warmly welcomed back in Chennai and especially at the Marina Arena," the Chennaiyin FC co-owners stated in a joint statement, which was shared by the 43-year-old on Facebook.

According to the statement, the split was by mutual consent.

He remains the most successful coach in ISL history with maximum wins.

"These past three seasons with Chennaiyin has been a great adventure on a sports and human level. I leave the club today grateful to have been given the opportunity to contribute in my own modest way to the shaping of India as a football nation and most of all grateful to have lived firsthand the birth and growth of Chennaiyin FC. Incredible team, incredible fans, incredible India!"

--IANS

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