Mohammedan Sporting fire Nigerian coach

Kolkata: Alarmed by their team`s non performance in the I-League, Mohammedan Sporting sunday 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 on sunday. 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.