Whether this will signal the end of Gregory’s time in India is in the hands of the owners, but the first English coach to win the ISL was the first to put his hand up and accept responsibility.
Bambolim: Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory addresses a press conference at Bambolim Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Oct 22, 2019. (Photo: IANS)
John Gregory may have coached Chennaiyin FC for the last time, ironically at the same venue where he provided the club their greatest moment.
It was at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru that Chennaiyin stunned rivals Bengaluru FC to win the Indian Super League title in 2018. Since then it’s all gone downhill for Chennaiyin FC as they finished at the bottom last season and are now left without a win or a goal in four matches in the ongoing edition.
“It is about time I sit down with the owner and had a talk. She has been supportive throughout but we can’t continue like this,” Gregory told the media after his side’s 0-3 defeat at the hands of Bengaluru FC at Sree Kanteerava on Sunday.
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Whether this will signal the end of Gregory’s time in India is in the hands of the owners, but the first English coach to win the ISL was the first to put his hand up and accept responsibility.
“We still have 14 games to play in the ISL after the (international) break but I don’t see us picking up many points in the current scenario. Something needs to be done.
“I have carried this club on my shoulders for the last two years. It’s not easy. I have never worked so hard in life than I have done in the last two years. It might be time for somebody else to take over,” said Gregory who cut a forlorn figure after his seventh straight away defeat in the ISL and without a win now for almost nine months.
Gregory said this was the worst he has felt since taking charge of the two-time champions.
“This is the worst I have felt in the last two years. I have tried my best but the club comes first,” said the former Aston Villa manager.
The club showed faith in Gregory who was given a one-year contract extension even after finishing last in 2018-19. Chennaiyin FC also failed to qualify from the group stages of the AFC Cup.
He was backed well in the transfer market with the addition of Lallianzula Chhangte, Vishal Kaith, Rafael Crivellaro and André Schembri. However, they picked up from where they left last season and have been quite underwhelming.
It remains to be seen if Gregory does take the exit route or would still be at the helm of affairs when Chennaiyin FC return from the international break and host Hyderabad FC on November 25.
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