Andone leaves CFR by mutual consent

Less than 24 hours after drawing 1-1 with Galatasaray AŞ in Istanbul, CFR 1907 Cluj have parted company with coach Ioan Andone.

The draw in Turkey took CFR onto four points in UEFA Champions League Group H, second behind Manchester United FC. However, they have not fared so well in the Romanian First Division, where the title holders lie tenth following last week's 1-0 home defeat by FC Viitorul Constanţa.

Andone's departure marks the end of his second spell in charge of the club. He guided CFR to their maiden Romanian championship during his first period at the helm, in 2007/08, but was sacked early the following season.

He once again brought the title back to the Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu last term – the third in CFR's history – and led the Railwaymen to five successive UEFA Champions League wins (from the third qualifying round onwards) at the beginning of the current campaign. Their matchday one victory at SC Braga was followed by a narrow 2-1 loss to Manchester United FC three weeks ago and Tuesday's draw with Galatasaray, whom they welcome for the return fixture in a fortnight.

The decision for Andone to leave was taken following CFR's arrival back in Romania on Wednesday afternoon. "Whatever decision is taken on Wednesday, it will be taken only if there is my agreement as well," the 52-year-old had said after the game in Turkey.