Mohammedan Sporting fire Nigerian coach

Image
Press Trust of India Kolkata
Last Updated : Dec 15 2013 | 8:47 PM IST
Alarmed by their team's non performance in the I-League, Mohammedan Sporting today sacked their Nigerian coach Abdul Bola Moshood Aziz bringing back Sanjoy Sen.
"He (Abdul) has failed to put in the side together, be it in formation or controlling the game. We have asked him to part ways in a message sent to him in Goa," club president Sultan Ahmed told PTI soon after the team's 1-3 away loss to Churchill Brothers today.
Having suffered two consecutive losses on the back of three goalless draws, Mohammedan have slipped close to the relegation zone, lying 11th with 13 points in the 13-team table.
The Trinamool MP said the club management had warned the coach for the last five matches but they were helpless now.
"We have given him so many opportunities. We'd been patient with him. But he has failed again. It's high time that we react to the situation. We feel Sanjoy is the best person to take charge," Ahmed said.
Highlighting the Nigerian's drawbacks, he said, "We have such a good side with Joshimar (d'Silva Martins) who is the leading scorer at the moment, while (Orji) Penn is doing well. But the coach has failed to bring out the best."
It was Sen who had guided the team to the top tier I-League after four years but the club had made a change in guard, roping in the 44-year-old Nigerian in June before the season began.
Under Abdul, Mohammedan Sporting had kicked off the season in style by winning the Durand Cup for the first time in 73 years.
However, their I-League performance was left much to be desired as they have lost six times and have only been able to win thrice from 13 outings.
Besides escaping relegation, the Federation Cup will be their target, Sultan said.
"We're looking forward to the Federation Cup. Sanjoy has previous experience and I hope he is able to bring out the best."
Meanwhile, the club will appeal the AIFF to waive the Rs 80,000 fine imposed on them for rude fan behaviour during their slender 2-3 loss to Bengaluru FC.
The Trinamool MP said he would call on Union Minister and AIFF boss Praful Patel in the capital to sort out the matter.
"We are a fan base club. It's up to the police to provide the law and order. Still, I would personally appeal to look into the matter. I will also appeal on behalf of our coach who was fined Rs 10,000," Sultan added.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Dec 15 2013 | 8:47 PM IST

Next Story