Sharjah: With tears in his eyes, Stephen Constantine stepped down as the Indian football team’s coach, the group stage Asian Cup exit turning out to be one bitter pill that he found too hard to swallow.
India’s promising start to the continental showpiece ended in a heartbreak when they conceded a 90th minute penalty for Bahrain to eke out a 1-0 win in their final group engagements here Monday night.
And his “cycle” was finished. “I’m stepping down after this game. I’ve been here for four years, my objective from day one was to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup. I’ve done that and I’m exceptionally proud of the players for everything they have given,” Constantine said.
“I think my cycle has finished. I did what I was asked to and a little bit more and after four years, I think it’s time to leave,” the Anglo-Cypriot added.
This was Constantine’s second stint with the Indian side after having been at the helm between 2002 and 2005. He returned to the hot seat after taking over the reins for a second time in 2015, succeeding Netherlands’ Wim Koevermans.
Ahead of the Asian Cup, speculation was rife that Constantine was no longer on good terms with talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri and a few other senior players over his coaching methods. “I’ve been here for four years. My objective from day one was to qualify for the Asian Cup and I’ve done that and we’ve broken a few records as we did that. I’m exceptionally proud of the players and everything they’ve given.
“The boys are sick as you can imagine. I am just disappointed for them as they gave everything in the last few games.”
Under Constantine, India reached their second best FIFA rankings of 96 after slumping to 173, their worst ever, before his arrival.
“I’m sad to be leaving, the players and staff have been fantastic throughout the tournament.” (PTI)
