A few hours after Ranko Popovic stepped down as head coach of Indian Super League team FC Pune City, he declared his leaving was a mutually agreed decision with the club management.
After joining Pune in September 2017, the Serbian manager, led the side to the semifinals of the most recent 2017-18 ISL season.
The club established a reputation of playing an aggressive brand of football that helped FC Pune City remain among the top teams consistently through the season, with 31 goals.
“I just want to say that we mutually agreed to part ways. It is not often that a coach leaves a club with so many sweet memories. I have a fantastic relationship with Pune City as the management there is wonderful to work with,” clarified Popovic.
“Yes, I feel I will come back to India at some point of time in the future. I loved working there. I will return to work after a few months. I will start preparing for some other team. I need some more time to ponder and then decide. Right now, I am happy to spend some time with my family as I have always been on the move for some years,” said Popovic.
“I really hope that Serbia goes on to put a good performance and we reach the knock-out stage. I will be rooting for Spain and Japan as well. I have some of my ex-players in the Japan squad. I hope that Japan can cause some upset at the world cup,” stated Popovic.
The former Buriram United FC coach declared he would not be boarding a plane to Russia for the World Cup, where Serbia has been drawn in Group E along with Brazil, Switzerland and Costa Rica.
The 50-year-old stated he hopes to return to India in the future, providing the right opportunity presents itself.
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