I-League 2017: Sanjoy Sen steps down as Mohun Bagan head coach amidst stone-pelting from fans

Sanjoy Sen has stepped down from his post as the head coach of Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan after his side suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of Chennai City FC at the Mohun Bagan Ground in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Sen decided to make the announcement right after the match against Chennai City FC, which was also the first time Mohun Bagan lost a match this season in the I-League.

“Before I was sacked, I think I have taken the right decision. As Gerard Houllier said 'you are no coach unless you are sacked,” said Sanjoy Sen during the post-match press conference. “Lost at home, had decided that I would step down if that happened. Didn't have the mentality to continue after this loss and three home draws where we couldn't come back.”

Incidentally, a number of angry Mohun Bagan fans had broken into the press conference area and attempted to hurl stones at Sen. However, security present at the scene soon drove them away.

Although the Green and Maroons had come into this match without having lost a single game, they were on a poor run of form after an initial good start, when they had beaten arch-rivals East Bengal in the Kolkata Derby, followed by a 5-0 win against Churchill Brothers.

However, things started going wrong after that, as the Mariners drew three matches on the trot against Shillong Lajong, Neroca FC, and Indian Arrows. The climax of the saga finally came with the 2-1 loss to Chennai City at home.

Although his tenure ended in stone-pelting from fans, Sanjoy Sen was widely regarded as one of the best coaches on the domestic circuit after leading Mohun Bagan to their first title in the I-League in the 2014-15 season. However, the Green and Maroons have failed to replicate their form that season, and the tenure of one of their most successful coaches in recent times has now come to an end.