Chernyshov likely to continue as Mohammedan SC coach after quit call

Kolkata: In a late-night drama, Mohammedan SC management on Wednesday claimed to have doused the flames of a major crisis, persuading a furious Andrey Chernyshov to continue hours after the Russian coach announced his decision to step down.Accusing the club of not paying him salary for three months, Chernyshov announced his resignation on social media in the afternoon after meeting his players and coaching staff members."Today is a very sad day for me. I am forced to step down as head coach of MSC and my contract has been terminated for failure to fulfill the terms by the club. Circumstances force me to make this difficult decision. This is the most difficult and sad decision in my coaching career," Chernyshov wrote in an Instagram post."I came to your country to give a good result, but I have a contract that clearly states the conditions that the club must fulfill. As a professional, I cannot work for 3 months without receiving a salary," he further stated.The Russian coach's move forced both senior club officials and Dipak Kumar Singh, director of its investor Bunkerhill, to swing into action. Following a lengthy meeting between the parties, the Russian has decided to change mind and agreed to stay back, a source with the knowledge of the development confirmed to the TOI."The meeting with the coach has been fruitful. The investors have promised to look into the players' and coaches' salary issue with utmost urgency. The coach is likely to leave for home and won't be available for the team's next two matches. However, he is expected to be back here after a fortnight and will take charge of the team thereafter," the source said.This means current assistant coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo will be in charge of the Indian Super League debutants against reigning Shield winners and table-toppers Mohun Bagan SG this Saturday as well as the match at Hyderabad FC on Feb 8.Chernyshov is likely to resume duty ahead of the team's another derby — against East Bengal FC on Feb 16.However, given the current situation the club is in, it may be termed as an "uneasy truce" between Chernyshov and the investors. According to a source, if the issues over his and the players' unpaid wages are not addressed during this time, the Russian may turn his back to the city club's call and explore opportunities elsewhere.The club's two investors — Bunkerhill and Shrachi Sports — have recently stopped funding in Mohammedan Sporting Club Pvt Ltd — the company which runs the football team — for not getting the requisite shares from the club. As a result, the players have also threatened to boycott training over unpaid wages and forced the club officials to step in to avoid a potential dressing-room revolt twice this month.Chernyshov — who helped Mohammedan SC win the I-League and earn promotion to the ISL — has had a two-year contract with the club running till the end of 2026-27 season.