XtraTime Web Desk: Indian football team head coach Stephen Constantine has stepped down from his post after his boys failed to make it to the knockout stages of the AFC Asian Cup on Monday.
The Blue Tigers needed just a draw against Bahrain to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time ever in their Asian Cup history. Though a 90th penalty goal by Jamal Rashed thrashed all the hopes of the nation. Immediately after his team’s shocking loss, the Englishman made it official that he doesn’t want to continue more in this post.
He started his second stint for Sunil & Co back in 2015 and successfully managed to guide the Blue Tigers in the main stage of the Asia Cup after 8 long years. Before that he was the head coach of the team from 2002 to 2005.
“I have been here for four years. My objective from day one was to qualify for the Asian Cup and we have done that,” said Constantine.
“I am exceptionally proud of the players for everything that they have given. I thank the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Kushal Das, Praful Patel and Abhishek Yadav for the support that they have given me.
“I think my cycle is finished. I did what I was asked. It is time for me to move on.”