Cheniyin FC part ways with coach Materazzi

Cheni, March 6 : Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Cheniyin FC has parted ways with Italian chief coach Marco Materazzi, who guided the southern outfit to glory in 2015 edition of the football tourment, it was announced on Monday.

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

He was player-cum-coach in the first season, making seven appearances as a player, with Cheniyin finishing top of the league standings before rrowly losing in the semi-fils against Kerala Blasters. The former Inter Milan star guided Cheniyin to the title in the second season as they dramatically came from behind to beat hosts FC Goa 3-2 in the fil. A record-breaking five-game winning run was instrumental in that triumph as Materazzi inspired the players to success from the brink of elimition.

In 2016, Cheniying failed to qualify for the semi-fils.

"We thank Marco for three memorable seasons and wish him the very best for the future. He will forever be a Cheniyin FC legend and is also guaranteed a place in ISL history. Marco will always be warmly welcomed back in Cheni and especially at the Mari Are," the Cheniyin 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 Cheniyin 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 tion and most of all grateful to have lived firsthand the birth and growth of Cheniyin FC. Incredible team, incredible fans, incredible India!" IANS