Twitter reacts as Stephen Constantine resigns as the coach of the Indian football team

English tactician Stephen Constantine resigned soon after India crashed out of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, losing by a solitary goal to Bahrain in the dying minutes of the match. The coach has been instrumental in shaping the team for the big occasion as well as instrumental in guiding them to the continental meet after a gap of 8 years. In spite of the exit, this was, without a doubt, India's most memorable outing in the AFC Asian Cup in more than 50 years!

It was under his reign that the ‘Blue Tigers’ has shown a steep rise in the FIFA rankings. India was lying in the 173rd spot when Constantine took charge of the team in 2015, while India is currently at the 97th position as per the latest rankings. Although many criticised his defensive approach in the last game, it cannot be denied that he has done wonders to the Indian football team in the past few years.

India needed a draw to qualify for the knock out stages of the AFC Asian Cup, but Bahrain’s determined display earned them full points via a late spot-kick on Monday night in Sharjah. 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,” said Stephen after the loss.

He added by saying, "I think my cycle is finished. I did what I was asked. It is time for me to move on."

This was his second stint as the coach of the Indian football team, the first time being back in 2002 when he managed the team for three years. There have been mixed reactions on social media from various spheres.

Let us have at a few Twitter reactions after Stephen Constantine resigned from the post:

I think Stephen Constantine took #India as far as he could. A big leap in #FIFA ranking under his leadership.. think it’s time for a change & new direction for the national team .. Will be interesting to see who steps into his shoes.. It’s an exciting era in #IndianFootball 🇮🇳⚽️ https://t.co/7cCF0xoj6s

— Baljit Rihal (@BaljitRihal) January 14, 2019

Ridiculous how much abuse/ridicule is being directed towards the coach. Yes it’s a heartbreaking exit, and maybe it is time for new direction, but Stephen Constantine’s contribution to Indian football remains immense. Let’s respect that as we bid him farewell. #AFCAsianCup2019 https://t.co/lDY8QPTcpn

— Raunak Kapoor (@RaunakRK) January 14, 2019

If only @RocaDT_Oficial can be brought in to coach @IndianFootball - thank you Stephen Constantine for all that you have done for Indian Football - going from 173 to 97 is something you should always be proud of however India needs a different style to go the next level

— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) January 14, 2019

Mission Constantinople was successful and Stephen Constantine steps down as the Indian Football team head coach after the side lost to Bahrain and knocked out of the Asian Cup 2019. Finally #Constantineout! pic.twitter.com/GvkW5uj64y

— Sai Krishna (@imSkrishnaaa) January 14, 2019

And Stephen Constantine rightfully steps down. #IndianFootball

— Manasi Pathak (@ThatUnitedLady) January 14, 2019

Stephen #Constantine managed to take India as far as he could. It probably is time to get a manager who plays football in a more progressive way and give the nation and the team a new direction and a new way of playing the game.

— Kaustubh Pandey (@Kaus_Pandey17) January 14, 2019

Indian football team coach Stephen Constantine resigns after defeat against Bahrain in AFC ASIAN CUP. He did a lot for Indian Football Team. Thank you and all best.. #LetsFootball#⚽⚽⚽#🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/d9ghRvnqvN

— Rishad (@Rishad00989826) January 14, 2019

#StephenConstantine - Thank you for all the hard work that you have done for #Indian Football. We didn't move to next round in #AFCAsianCup2019, but the boys give it their all. #Respect #sunilchhetri

— Himanshu Singh (@himanshu_singh1) January 15, 2019

Stephen Constantine took us in the right direction. Huge love and respect for the guy. Now we need someone who can take us further. Who can inject that extra bit we lack in few games. Its one of the most important decisions for Indian Football.

— Hardik Nagar (@hardikreds17) January 15, 2019

Stephen Constantine will go down in the books as the last Head coach with a spine.The next one will surely be a puppet, who's strings are controlled by agencies and the corporate overlords that have infested the entire industry

— Raghav 🏳‍🌈 (@Raghav1210_BS) January 15, 2019

Some praising him, others blasting him. Why such a polarised view on #StephenConstantine ? #BlueTigers #AsianCup2019

— Krishnadev Roy (@the_krishnadev) January 15, 2019