The celebrations surrounding Bengaluru FC’s I-League title triumph was tempered by coach Ashley Westwood, stating that he is likely to leave for greener pastures.

Speaking a short while after clinching the title, Westwood said, “BFC has offered me a wage drop. I feel that I’ve done a good job here, so a wage drop does not feel right. It is unfortunate, but that is the business of football.”

Asked to elaborate, the Englishman replied, “I would never disrespect the club. I don’t like to talk about what happens behind closed doors. Some people like to speak about private matters in public. The club and I know where we stand now. If they don’t want me, I’ll move on.”

Westwood’s contract expires in about a month, which means that at a minimum, he will stay at the helm for the next few matches. He did not reveal the names of the clubs that he is in talks with.

Asked to compare the 2013-14 I-League victory to this one, the 39-year-old said, “The first season was easier, because the standard of the teams in our inaugural season was nowhere as good as this. The fitness was very poor. In most matches, the Indian players were not fit and would cramp up in the final minutes. The standards have improved now.”

Salgaocar FC coach, Santosh Kashyap, was gracious in defeat.

“Congratulations to BFC. They deserve this success. They have set the benchmark for all the Indian clubs to follow.” — Sports Reporter