Crook resigns as Sydney FC coach
Crook departure follows a second defeat after the substitution of Del Piero.
Embattled Sydney FC head coach Ian Crook quit Sunday citing the pressure of the job after just two wins in six A-League games this season.
His departure follows a second defeat in as many weeks and heckling by fans after the substitution of Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero in the latest loss on Saturday.
Crook s Sky Blues relinquished a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to arch-rivals Melbourne Victory at home on Saturday, conceding three goals in the final 13 minutes.
The former Norwich City player, who only assumed his role at the beginning of this season, was already under pressure following a 7-2 humiliation by the Central Coast Mariners the previous week.
Del Piero, Sydney s marquee signing, was substituted in the 66th minute when Sydney were leading 2-0, only for Melbourne to put in a stunning final burst to snatch an unlikely win.
The former Juventus star and Italian World Cup winner, 38, sat out last week s loss with hamstring problems.
Crook tendered his resignation on Sunday morning, saying the huge pressure of the role had become a burden on his health and family.
"I ve decided to stand down as head coach of Sydney FC," Crook said.
"It s something I ve been thinking about for a few weeks now. I love coaching and I love this club but the head coach role is just not for me."
Assistant coach Steve Corica would step into the role as caretaker until a replacement -- Sydney s seventh head coach in as many years -- could be found, the club said.
Sydney FC CEO Tony Pignata said the club had tried to talk Crook out of his decision to quit.
"It was a shock and it is disappointing. (We) tried to talk him out of it this morning but we have to respect Ian s decision and move forward as a club," Pignata said.
