MANILA, Philippines – Maor Rozen, who stepped down as head coach of United Football League (UFL) side Kaya FC last weekend, said he resigned after failing to “extract the best” from his players.

Rozen announced his resignation from Kaya FC last Saturday after only three UFL matches, with the club compiling a 1-1-1 win-loss-draw record.

In an letter posted on the Kaya FC website, Rozen explained why he resigned from his post. 

“It was my failure not to have been able to extract the best from the players who were part of the roster of the club, who have a supreme quality as footballers,” Rozen said in his letter. “I take my responsibility thereon.”

Rozen said it was his first time to resign in 28 years as a football coach.

“It means the decision was not easy. The pain is deep. But sometimes, coach has to sacrifice himself for the good of a team, his players, the club, the fans,” he said.

Despite his resignation, Rozen said he "owe(s) fidelity and respect to the president of the club, his staff and the players."

Rozen will also continue assisting football in the Philippines.

"(The) Philippines is in my heart and I will try from my trench to continue fighting for the improvement of the football here," he said.

Kaya is currently in sixth place in Division 1 of the UFL, holding only one victory against Green Archers United.

Rozen became the coach of Kaya FC just last December, taking over from interim coach Kyle Alvarez.

Kaya will play unbeaten Stallion FC on Tuesday afternoon at the Emperador Stadium.