Minerva Punjab head coach Paul Munster parts ways with club on personal grounds

The Northern Irishman had joined The Warriors at the start of the season. 

In what came as a surprise for everyone, Minerva Punjab head coach Paul Munster resigned from his role due to personal reasons. The move comes hours after the northern outfit had won their Elite League title earlier in the day.

The club released a statement in which the Northern Irishman said, “Due to personal reasons, I have decided to move back to Sweden and pursue my career there."

"I have enjoyed my time at Minerva Punjab and I’m leaving with a heavy heart, I wish the team and the club the very best of luck for the remaining season," he added.

The club would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Paul Munster for his services and we wish him all the best for his future. pic.twitter.com/Qd0WEY3Vlf

— MINERVA PUNJAB FC (@minervapunjabfc) February 8, 2019

Minerva Punjab's statement on the departure of Paul Munster

Club owner Ranjit Bajaj also quipped, “I am very sad to see Paul go. He is more than just a coach, he’s been a great friend and confidant. Though it came out of the blue, I understand and respect his decision. I have nothing but best wishes for Paul!”

The Warriors also clarified that assistant manager Sachin Badhade and Technical Director Surinder Singh will take over from Munster on an interim basis.

The 36-year-old tactician was signed by Minerva ahead of this season, as the reigning I-League champions needed a tactician with a Pro License for competing in the AFC Champions League Qualifiers. However, the short-lived reign of Munster has been somewhat disappointing, as the Punjab-based side find themselves in ninth position in the league table this campaign, only four points clear of bottom-placed Shillong Lajong.

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Munster leaves Minerva in a crunch situation, as The Warriors are yet to play their final two games in the I-League and are hoping to survive in the top flight.

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Munster had a very unfortunate start to his debut campaign in India. His team began their season with a draw against Churchill Brothers and then lost to debutants and current league leaders Real Kashmir in the next game. As the season went on, The Warriors lost seven more games, while winning only three.

With most of their star players leaving for bigger clubs, Minerva have started to look depleted. The defending champions have scored only eight goals, the lowest by any I-League side this season till now and also conceded 15 during the same period.