Bagan coach to step down following Durand Cup exit

New Delhi, Nov 25 (UNI) Owning moral responsibility for his side's loss in the Durand Cup semi-final here today, Mohun Bagan coach Biswajit Bhattacharya has decided to step down from his post.

''I failed to motivate my boys. I take responsibility for today's loss and I am resigning,'' Biswajit said following Bagan's 0-2 loss to Dempo Sports Club Goa.

Biswajit said he was hurt by reports of him being on test as coach for Bagan's slump in form in both the Kolkata League and the Durand Cup.

''For the last two-three months, I have been hearing that my job was on the line for the team's recent lacklusture performance. I will put in my resignation after reaching Kolkata,'' the former India International said.

However, Mohun Bagan secretary Anjan Mitra, who was here with the team, hinted that the club authorities will not accept Biswajit's resignation.

''I understand the coach's senstivity. Mohun Bagan is a big team and losing in a big tournament like Durand Cup will put any coach under pressure. We will speak to Biswajit and hope to sort out the matter once we reach Kolkata,'' he said.

''The coach would not be held responsible for today's loss as we were playing with a second rung team. We lost a couple of players including Baichung Bhutia who are on national duty. Besides, some key players have been injured and we had to come here with youngsters who lack experience,'' he added.

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