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Cosmin Contra

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Cosmin Contra
Contra as manager of Romania in 2018
Personal information
Full name Cosmin Marius Contra[1]
Date of birth (1975-12-15) 15 December 1975 (age 48)[1]
Place of birth Timișoara, Romania[1]
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[1]
Position(s) Right-back, midfielder
Youth career
1982–1988 CSȘ Timișoara
1988–1993 Politehnica Timișoara
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1994–1995 Politehnica Timișoara 51 (1)
1996–1999 Dinamo București 101 (8)
1999–2001 Alavés 66 (5)
2001–2002 AC Milan 29 (3)
2002–2006 Atlético Madrid 34 (0)
2004–2005 → West Bromwich Albion (loan) 5 (0)
2005 → Politehnica Timișoara (loan) 14 (0)
2005–2006 → Getafe (loan) 24 (0)
2006–2010 Getafe 64 (3)
2010 → Politehnica Timișoara (loan) 13 (3)
2010 Politehnica Timișoara 9 (1)
Total 410 (24)
International career
1995–1998 Romania U21 11 (2)
1996–2010 Romania 73 (7)
Managerial career
2010 Politehnica Timișoara (player/coach)
2011–2012 Getafe C
2012 Fuenlabrada
2012–2014 Petrolul Ploiești
2014–2015 Getafe
2015 Guangzhou R&F
2016 Alcorcón
2017 Dinamo București
2017–2019 Romania
2020 Dinamo București
2021–2022 Al-Ittihad
2023–2024 Damac
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Cosmin Marius Contra (Romanian pronunciation: [kosˈmin ˈmari.us ˈkontra]; born 15 December 1975) is a Romanian football manager and former player.

Primarily an attacking-minded right-back, he was also deployed as a midfielder. He played professionally in three countries his own notwithstanding, mainly Spain where he appeared for Alavés, Atlético Madrid and Getafe, amassing La Liga totals of 188 games and eight goals. A Romania international for nearly 15 years, he represented the nation in two European Championships.

As a coach, Contra won the Cupa României with Petrolul Ploiești in 2013 and the Cupa Ligii with Dinamo București four years later. In September 2017, he was appointed at the helm of the Romania national team.

Playing career

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Club

[edit]

Politehnica and Dinamo

[edit]

Born in Timișoara, Cosmin Contra started his professional career at local club Politehnica Timișoara, making his Divizia A debut under coach Costică Ștefănescu on 27 February 1994 at age 18 in a 1–0 win in the West derby against UTA Arad.[2][3][4] At the end of his first season they were relegated to Divizia B, but he stayed with the side, promoting back after one year. Midway through 1995–96, he signed for Dinamo București at the request of coach Cornel Dinu.[2][3][4] During his period with the Red Dogs he failed to win any trophy, the team's best performance during his stay being a runner-up finish in 1998–99; he also made his debut in European competitions, appearing in four matches in the 1996 UEFA Intertoto Cup and two in the 1997–98 UEFA Cup.[2]

Alavés

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After three and a half campaigns with Dinamo, Contra was transferred for $800,000 to Deportivo Alavés in the Spanish La Liga.[5] He was an important part in the Basques' runner-up run in the UEFA Cup,[6] his performances earning him in a place in the UEFA Team of the Year.[7]

Contra scored eight goals in all competitions during his spell at the Mendizorrotza Stadium. In December 2021, as the club celebrated its 100th birthday, he was voted its best-ever right-back by newspaper Noticias de Álava.[8]

AC Milan and Atlético

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In the summer of 2001, Contra moved to Italian club AC Milan, but his spell there lasted only one season. On 21 October, in the Derby della Madonnina against Inter Milan and as his team trailed 1–0, he was brought on as a 46th-minute substitute and scored once and provided one assist in the 4–2 victory.[9] In August 2002, he was suspended after a scuffle with Juventus's Edgar Davids.[10]

Contra returned to Spain in September 2002, joining Atlético Madrid.[11] He appeared very rarely in the 2003–04 campaign, due to a serious ankle condition.[12]

Contra signed for West Bromwich Albion on loan in August 2004,[13] making his debut in a 2–1 defeat at Colchester United in the second round of the Football League Cup on 21 September.[14] His maiden Premier League appearance occurred almost two months later, when they lost 2–1 at home against Middlesbrough.[15]

Overall, the loan was not particularly successful, with Contra playing just six games and receiving a red card in his last match, a 0–5 home loss to Liverpool.[16] He then returned to his country and Liga I, at the club which brought him up as a player, Politehnica Timișoara, where he managed to be recalled to the national side due to his performances.[5]

Getafe

[edit]
Contra with Getafe in 2009

Contra returned to Spain in August 2005, agreeing to a season-long loan with Getafe[17] which was subsequently made permanent (he was supposed to have arrived at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez before, but the move was blocked because the squad had too many non-EU players, and his compatriot Gheorghe Craioveanu only ceased to be considered a foreigner the same year).[18] He was used regularly by the Madrid outskirts side, battling for a first-team slot with David Cortés.[5]

In the 2007–08 UEFA Cup, Contra netted in both legs of the quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich, which ended in a 4–4 aggregate elimination after extra time.[19] Earlier in the competition, he scored a penalty kick against AEK Athens,[20] appearing in that match even though his father had died just hours before.[21]

Later career

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In late January 2010, after being ousted from the starting XI by manager Míchel, Contra left Getafe and returned to his country, rejoining hometown's Politehnica Timișoara initially until June.[22][5] On 26 February he made his debut in his second spell for the club, scoring from a 30-yard free kick in the last minute of the 2–1 victory over Politehnica Iași.[23] Two months later, at Steaua București, he again found the net from two set pieces, one from a penalty (3–3 draw);[24] during his second stint, he played mainly as a central midfielder.

On 29 August 2010, Contra scored again from a free kick and again against Steaua, in a late 1–1 equaliser.[25] His contract expired the following day, and on 9 September he agreed to a new deal,[26] being announced as new player-coach six days later.[27] His last game as a player took place on 13 November 2010, in a 1–1 home draw with Unirea Urziceni.[2][4]

International

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Contra earned 73 caps for Romania and scored seven goals, making his debut on 24 April 1996 at the age of 20 when coach Anghel Iordănescu sent him on the field in the 65th minute in order to replace captain Gheorghe Hagi in a friendly against Georgia which ended with a 5–0 victory.[4][28][29][30] He played three games in the Euro 2000 qualifiers, being selected by Emerich Jenei to be part of the final tournament squad, where he was used as a starter the first three matches, helping the team pass the group stage, but did not play in the 2–0 loss to Italy in the quarter-finals, being suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the previous fixtures.[4][28] He made nine appearances and netted twice in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying phase, one in a 2–0 away victory over Georgia and one in the second leg of the play-off against Slovenia which was lost 3–2 on aggregate.[4][28]

Contra made six appearances in the Euro 2004 qualifiers, scoring a hat-trick in the 7–0 away rout of Luxembourg, playing six times in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.[28][31] He contributed six matches and two goals, one in a 3–0 victory against Luxembourg and one in the 2–0 defeat of Slovenia in qualification for Euro 2008, being used in the final tournament by manager Victor Pițurcă in all the minutes as his side failed to progress from their group.[28]

Contra played four games in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers and, on 1 April 2009, after a match with Austria, he announced his retirement from international football; however, on 30 August 2010, the 34-year-old was recalled by manager Răzvan Lucescu for the Euro 2012 qualifiers, making his last appearance in a 1–1 against Albania.[28][32]

Coaching career

[edit]

Early career

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Contra made his Timișoara debut as a manager in September 2010, with a win against Sportul Studențesc București.[33] Even though the team never lost a game under his guidance, he was sacked after 11 matches – six wins, five draws – because of a conflict with the club's owner.[34]

Contra returned to Spain in July 2012, being appointed at Segunda División B side Fuenlabrada.[35] He started the campaign well and, after ten rounds, the team found themselves in a play-off position; however, after an offer from FC Petrolul Ploiești in his homeland arrived, he asked to be released from his contract.[36]

Petrolul

[edit]

Contra took over at Petrolul in October 2012, replacing Mircea Rednic. In his first season he reached the final of the Romanian Cup, defeating CFR Cluj 1–0;[37] additionally, the club finished third in the domestic league, thus securing qualification for the Europa League after an 18-year-absence.[38]

Petrolul managed to knock out Víkingur Gøta in the Europa League second qualifying round and Vitesse Arnhem in the third, but were eliminated in the play-offs by Swansea City after being bested 5–1 in Wales and winning 2–1 at home.[39]

Getafe

[edit]

On 10 March 2014, Contra returned to Getafe and the Spanish top flight after four years, replacing Luis García who was fired after a long run of bad results which led the team to only a point above the relegation zone, and without a league win since November.[40][41] His first match in charge came four days later, a 3–3 home draw against Granada.[42] They finally won a game on the penultimate day of the month, emerging victorious at Valencia 3–1.[43]

On 19 May 2014, Contra confirmed survival for the side after a 2–1 win away win over Rayo Vallecano.[44]

Guangzhou R&F

[edit]

On 18 December 2014, Contra was named as the new manager of Guangzhou R&F, replacing Sven-Göran Eriksson.[45] He began working officially for the club on 4 January of the following year.[46]

Alcorcón and Dinamo Bucharest

[edit]

On 15 June 2016, Contra was appointed at Alcorcón.[47] He was relieved of his duties on 12 October.[48]

In February 2017, Contra became Dinamo Bucharest's new coach.[49] He led the team to their first trophy in five years by winning the Cupa Ligii[50] but, after advances from the Romanian Football Federation, he resigned from his post on 16 September.[51]

Romania national team

[edit]

On 17 September 2017, following Christoph Daum's dismissal, Contra was revealed as the new manager of Romania with the objective of qualifying for Euro 2020.[52] His first game in charge was on 5 October, a 3–1 win in Ploiești against Kazakhstan in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.[53]

In November 2019, after the team could only finish in fourth place in the Euro 2020 qualifying phase behind Spain, Sweden and Norway, the Romanian Football Federation announced Contra would no longer continue on the bench.[54][55]

Return to Dinamo

[edit]

Contra returned to Dinamo Bucharest in August 2020, signing a two-year contract.[56] He left on 3 December due to the club's financial problems.[57]

Al-Ittihad

[edit]

On 29 August 2021, Contra was appointed as manager of Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Professional League.[58] His team led the league by 16 points over Al Hilal in February but ended the season two points behind that team, who he lost to twice.[59]

Contra was dismissed by the Jeddah-based club in early July 2022, and replaced by Nuno Espírito Santo.[60]

Damac

[edit]

On 6 March 2023, Contra joined Damac of the same country and league.[61]

Career statistics

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International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[28]
National team Year Apps Goals
Romania 1996 3 0
1997 0 0
1998 2 0
1999 4 0
2000 10 0
2001 10 2
2002 7 3
2003 5 0
2004 2 0
2005 6 0
2006 6 0
2007 5 2
2008 9 0
2009 3 0
2010 1 0
Total 73 7
Scores and results list Romania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Contra goal.
List of international goals scored by Cosmin Contra[28]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 28 March 2001 Boris Paichadze, Tbilisi, Georgia  Georgia 2–0 2–0 2002 World Cup qualification
2 14 November 2001 Ghencea, Bucharest, Romania  Slovenia 1–1 1–1 2002 World Cup qualification – Playoffs
3 16 October 2002 Josy Barthel, Luxembourg, Luxembourg  Luxembourg 4–0 7–0 Euro 2004 qualifying
4 5–0
5 7–0
6 28 March 2007 Stadionul Ceahlăul, Piatra Neamț, Romania  Luxembourg 2–0 3–0 Euro 2008 qualifying
7 6 June 2007 Dan Păltinișanu, Timișoara, Romania  Slovenia 2–0 2–0 Euro 2008 qualifying

Managerial statistics

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As of 5 December 2024[62][63][64][65]
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team Nat From To Record
G W D L GF GA GD Win %
Politehnica Timișoara Romania 15 September 2010 5 December 2010 14 7 6 1 22 14 +8 050.00
Fuenlabrada Spain 21 July 2012 29 October 2012 11 5 3 3 18 16 +2 045.45
Petrolul Ploiești Romania 29 October 2012 10 March 2014 58 33 20 5 99 48 +51 056.90
Getafe Spain 10 March 2014 4 January 2015 30 10 8 12 30 35 −5 033.33
Guangzhou R&F China 4 January 2015 22 July 2015 30 9 7 14 37 45 −8 030.00
Alcorcón Spain 15 June 2016 12 October 2016 11 4 3 4 6 9 −3 036.36
Dinamo București Romania 16 February 2017 18 September 2017 28 15 7 6 41 24 +17 053.57
Romania Romania 22 September 2017 18 November 2019 24 13 6 5 39 26 +13 054.17
Dinamo București Romania 26 August 2020 3 December 2020 11 3 2 6 14 13 +1 027.27
Al-Ittihad Saudi Arabia 29 August 2021 4 July 2022 30 20 5 5 62 31 +31 066.67
Damac Saudi Arabia 6 March 2023 6 December 2024 64 21 17 26 82 95 −13 032.81
Total 311 140 84 87 450 356 +94 045.02

Honours

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Player

[edit]

Politehnica Timișoara

Alavés

Getafe

Individual

Manager

[edit]

Petrolul Ploiești

Dinamo București

Individual

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Cosmin Marius CONTRA". El Mundo (in Spanish). Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e Cosmin Contra at RomanianSoccer.ro (in Romanian)
  3. ^ a b "Cosmin Contra a debutat la seniori în primul Poli – UTA de după revoluție" [Cosmin Contra made his senior debut in first Poli – UTA after the revolution] (in Romanian). Druckeria. 12 October 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "20 de fotografii cu Contra în prim-plan: comentariu cu comentariu, ce spune selecționerul despre ultimii 20 ani ai naționalei!" [20 photos with Contra in the foreground: comment by comment, what is the coach saying about the last 20 years of the national team!]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 7 October 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
  5. ^ a b c d Pascual González, Álvaro (4 July 2013). "Yo jugué en el Getafe: Cosmin Contra" [I played for Getafe: Cosmin Contra] (in Spanish). Vavel. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  6. ^ a b "Liverpool win nine-goal epic with golden goal". UEFA. 1 September 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
  7. ^ "Contra voted Romania's finest". UEFA. 18 December 2001. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
  8. ^ Mallo, Borja (17 December 2021). "Un once para cien años del Alavés" [Eleven for Alavés' one hundred]. Noticias de Álava (in Spanish). Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  9. ^ Salvio, Fabrizio (20 April 2024). "Contra: "Io, Terim, Sheva e quel gol all'Inter mi fece impazzire di gioia"" [Contra: "Me, Terim, Sheva and that goal against Inter left me mad with joy"]. La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  10. ^ "Contra and Davids suspended after scuffle". UEFA. 12 August 2002. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
  11. ^ "Contra deal goes through". BBC Sport. 2 September 2002. Retrieved 14 March 2008.
  12. ^ "Contra set for surgery". UEFA. 2 October 2003. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  13. ^ "Baggies snap up Contra". BBC Sport. 31 August 2004. Retrieved 14 March 2008.
  14. ^ "Colchester 2–1 West Brom". BBC Sport. 21 September 2004. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  15. ^ "West Brom 1–2 Middlesbrough". BBC Sport. 14 November 2004. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  16. ^ "West Brom 0–5 Liverpool". BBC Sport. 26 December 2004. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  17. ^ "Contra seals Spanish switch". UEFA. 4 August 2005. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  18. ^ "El Getafe presenta a Contra, cedido por el Atlético de Madrid" [Getafe present Contra, loaned by Atlético de Madrid] (in Spanish). Libertad Digital. 19 August 2005. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  19. ^ Bryan, Paul (11 April 2008). "Crushed Contra defiant in defeat". UEFA. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
  20. ^ "Getafe's debut run goes on". UEFA. 21 February 2008. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  21. ^ "Un gol con dedicatoria especial" [Goal with a special dedication] (in Spanish). UEFA. 22 February 2008. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  22. ^ a b "Contra se marcha a la Politécnica de Timișoara" [Contra goes to Politehnica Timișoara]. Marca (in Spanish). 26 January 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  23. ^ "Liga 1: Timișoara – Iasi 2–1/ Gol decisiv, in ultimele secunde!" [Liga 1: Timișoara – Iasi 2–1/ Decisive goal, in the last second!] (in Romanian). Hot News. 26 February 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  24. ^ Muresanu, Catalin Gabriel (25 April 2010). "Contra lor, pro CFR!** Steaua-Poli Timișoara 3–3" [Against them, pro CFR!** Steaua-Poli Timișoara 3–3]. ProSport (in Romanian). Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  25. ^ "Etapa 6: Steaua – FC Timișoara 1–1" [Round 6: Steaua – FC Timișoara 1–1] (in Romanian). Romanian Soccer. 29 August 2010. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  26. ^ "Contra: "M-am înțeles cu Poli. Sunt mulțumit că am rămas acasă"" [Contra: "I understand Poli. I am glad I have stayed home"] (in Romanian). Viola Mania. 9 September 2010. Archived from the original on 10 March 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2010.
  27. ^ ""Guriță", Velcea, Rotariu și Bratu în stafful Timișoarei / Contra all inclusive!" ["Guriță", Velcea, Rotariu and Bratu in the staff of Timișoara / Contra all inclusive!] (in Romanian). Viola Mania. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  28. ^ a b c d e f g h "Cosmin Contra". European Football. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  29. ^ "România – Georgia 5–0 (amical – 24 aprilie 1996)" [Romania – Georgia 5–0 (friendly – 24 April 1996)] (in Romanian). Tiki Taka. 23 April 2021. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  30. ^ Stokkermans, Karel. "Cosmin Contra – International Appearances". RSSSF. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  31. ^ "Ruthless Contra cashes in". UEFA. 16 October 2002. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  32. ^ "Imediat după anunțul că se lasă de fotbal, Contra a fost convocat la "națională"!" [Immediately after retiring from football, Contra is called to the national team!]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 30 August 2010. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  33. ^ "Victorie la debutul lui Contra ca antrenor al lui Poli: Timișoara – Sportul 2–1" [Victory for Contra on his debut for Poli: Timișoara – Sportul 2–1] (in Romanian). Sport 365. 18 September 2010. Archived from the original on 10 March 2014. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  34. ^ "Contra, demis de la FC Timișoara" [Contra, dismissed from Poli Timișoara] (in Romanian). Radio France Internationale. 5 December 2010. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  35. ^ Ullan Ferrer, Carlos (30 July 2012). "Cosmin Contra, nuevo entrenador del Fuenlabrada" [Cosmin Contra, new coach of Fuenlabrada] (in Spanish). Tu Zona Es. Archived from the original on 4 February 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  36. ^ Aizcorbe, R. (29 October 2012). "Contra deja Fuenlabrada por el Ploiesti rumano" [Contra leaves Fuenlabrada for Romania's Ploiești]. Marca (in Spanish). Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  37. ^ a b c Krasimirov, Angel; Wood, Stephen (1 June 2013). "Soccer-Petrolul edge past Cluj to win Romanian Cup". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 10 March 2014. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  38. ^ Zaharia, Paul-Daniel (29 July 2013). "Contra fuels Petrolul's European ambition". UEFA. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  39. ^ Williams, Aled (29 August 2013). "Petrolul Ploiesti 2–1 Swansea (agg 3–6)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  40. ^ "Presentación Contra" [Presentation of Contra] (in Spanish). Getafe CF. 10 March 2014. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  41. ^ "Garcia does not fear Getafe sack". FourFourTwo. 9 March 2014. Archived from the original on 19 May 2014. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  42. ^ "Granada, Getafe battle to wild draw". CBS Sports. 14 March 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  43. ^ Conn, Tom (30 March 2014). "Valencia 1–3 Getafe: Getafe sucker punch Valencia to escape the relegation zone". Inside Spanish Football. Archived from the original on 31 March 2014. Retrieved 31 March 2014.
  44. ^ "Contra: It's been a very tough road since I came here as manager". Inside Spanish Football. 19 May 2014. Archived from the original on 19 May 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2014.
  45. ^ "Guangzhou R&F names Getafe's Cosmin Contra coach". The New Zealand Herald. 19 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  46. ^ 富力宣布孔特拉下周一正式接手 刘殿座确定加盟 (in Chinese). Sports 163. 2 January 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  47. ^ "Cosmin Contra, nuevo entrenador de la A.D. Alcorcón" [Cosmin Contra, new manager of A.D. Alcorcón] (in Spanish). AD Alcorcón. 15 June 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  48. ^ "Comunicado oficial" [Official announcement] (in Spanish). AD Alcorcón. 12 October 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  49. ^ "Contra este noul antrenor al lui Dinamo" [Contra is the new manager at Dinamo] (in Romanian). Dolce Sport. 16 February 2017. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
  50. ^ a b "VIDEO+FOTO – Dinamo a câștigat Cupa Ligii fără emoții! Al 34-lea trofeu din vitrina 'câinilor'" [VIDEO+PHOTO " Dinamo won unexciting League Cup! 34th trophy in the 'dogs' cabinet]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 20 May 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  51. ^ "Cosmin Contra și-a oficializat plecarea de la Dinamo: "Știu că nu sunt iubit de toată lumea și că n-am experiență, dar era visul meu să preiau naționala"" [Cosmin Contra made his departure from Dinamo official: "I know that I am not loved by everybody and that I have no experience, but it was my dream to take over the national team"]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 19 September 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  52. ^ "Înțelegere de principiu cu Cosmin Contra pentru conducerea Naționalei României" [Agreement in principle with Cosmin Contra to lead the Romania national team] (in Romanian). Romanian Football Federation. 17 September 2017. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  53. ^ "România-Kazahstan 3–1 | O 'guriță' de speranță cu Budescu în formă maximă" [Romania-Kazakhstan 3–1 | A 'mouthful' (reference to Contra's nickname) of hope with Budescu in top form] (in Romanian). Telekom TV. 5 October 2017. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  54. ^ "Cosmin Contra nu va mai antrena echipa nationala. Anuntul a fost facut de FRF" [Cosmin Contra will no longer coach the national team. RFF made the announcement] (in Romanian). Digi FM. 21 November 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  55. ^ Pop, Alexandru (6 December 2019). "Fostul selecționer Cosmin Contra își cere scuze pentru că a ratat calificarea la Euro 2020" [Former coach Cosmin Contra apologises for missing qualification for Euro 2020] (in Romanian). Newsweek. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  56. ^ "Cosmin Contra la Dinamo București" [Cosmin Contra at Dinamo Bucharest] (in Romanian). Dinamo București. 26 August 2020. Archived from the original on 5 March 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  57. ^ "Cosmin Contra, mesaj pentru suporteri după ce a plecat de la Dinamo: "Vă rog să îmi iertați naivitatea. Nu mi-am imaginat niciodată asta"" [Cosmin Contra, message for the supporters after he left Dinamo: "Forgive me for my naivety. I never imagined that"]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 4 December 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  58. ^ "الروماني كوزمين كونترا يتولى تدريب اتحاد جدة" [Romanian Cosmin Contra takes charge of Al-Ittihad Jeddah]. Al Arabiya (in Arabic). 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  59. ^ "Cosmin Contra apologizes to Al-Ittihad fans for SPL title race collapse, promises strong comeback next season". Arab News. 1 July 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
  60. ^ Duerden, John (5 July 2022). "Al-Ittihad name Nuno Espirito Santo as head coach". Arab News. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
  61. ^ "ضمك يعلن التعاقد مع كونترا وينهي علاقته بالكرواتي ريزيتش" [Damac announce contract with Contra and end relationship with Croatia's Režić]. Al Riyadh (in Arabic). 6 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  62. ^ "Cosmin Contra" (in Romanian). Labtof. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  63. ^ Cosmin Contra manager profile at BDFutbol
  64. ^ Cosmin Contra coach profile at Soccerway
  65. ^ "Cosmin Contra". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  66. ^ Ionescu, Romeo. "Romania – List of Second Division Final Tables". RSSSF. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  67. ^ Toma, Razvan. "Romania – Player of the Year Awards". RSSSF. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  68. ^ "Team of the Year 2001". UEFA. 3 January 2011. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  69. ^ "مدرب الاتحاد وحمدلله .. وحارس الفيصلي والبريكان نجوم شهر فبراير." (in Arabic). Saudi Professional League. 1 March 2022. Archived from the original on 15 August 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
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