Khaled Ben Sassi Resigns as US Monastir Coach After Defeat to Bottom Club
Khaled Ben Sassi has stepped down as head coach of Union Sportive Monastirienne (US Monastir) following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Etoile Sportive Metlaoui, the bottom club in Tunisia’s Ligue 1.
The loss, which came on matchday 20 of the Tunisian football championship, proved to be the final straw for Ben Sassi, who had taken charge of the struggling side just two months ago in January.
Speaking on Tunisian National Radio, the 56-year-old coach expressed frustration over his inability to steer the team in the right direction.
“I gave everything so that the team could move forward and progress. Unfortunately, there are mistakes that keep happening and for which I finally realize I can’t do anything. I wish the team well, but I’m leaving,” said Ben Sassi.
US Monastir’s form since the start of the second half of the season has been underwhelming, with the club managing to score just two goals in five matches, collecting minimal points and slipping deeper into relegation danger.
Sunday’s defeat to ES Metlaoui, who sat at the foot of the table before kick-off, leaves US Monastir in 14th place with 16 points, just two clear of their opponents, who now climb to 16th with 14 points.
Match Highlights:
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Mohamed Amine Aouichaoui opened the scoring for ES Metlaoui in the 48th minute.
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Foued Kheraifi doubled the lead in the 73rd minute.
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Nabil Missaoui pulled one back for US Monastir in the 83rd minute, but it was too late to spark a comeback.
Ben Sassi’s resignation adds further uncertainty to a club already facing a difficult relegation battle. US Monastir will now begin the search for a new head coach as they look to salvage their season and avoid the drop.
