18 Facts About Cosmin Contra

Cosmin Contra played professionally in three countries his own notwithstanding, mainly Spain where he appeared for Alaves, Atletico Madrid and Getafe, amassing La Liga totals of 188 games and eight goals.

Cosmin Contra was an important part in the Basques' runner-up run in the UEFA Cup, his performances earning him in a place in the UEFA Team of the Year.

Cosmin Contra scored eight goals in all competitions during his spell at the Mendizorrotza Stadium.

Cosmin Contra returned to Spain in September 2002, joining Atletico Madrid.

Cosmin Contra then returned to his country and Liga I, at the club which brought him up as a player, Politehnica Timisoara, where he managed to be recalled to the national side due to his performances.

Cosmin Contra returned to Spain in August 2005, agreeing to a season-long loan with Getafe which was made permanent.

Cosmin Contra was used regularly by the Madrid outskirts side, battling for a first-team slot with David Cortes.

In late January 2010, after being ousted from the starting XI by manager Michel, Cosmin Contra left Getafe and returned to his country, rejoining hometown's Politehnica Timisoara initially until June.

Cosmin Contra made his Timisoara debut as a manager in September 2010, with a win against Sportul Studentesc Bucuresti.

Cosmin Contra returned to Spain in July 2012, being appointed at Segunda Division B side Fuenlabrada.

Cosmin Contra started the campaign well and, after ten rounds, the team found themselves in a play-off position; however, after an offer from FC Petrolul Ploiesti in his homeland arrived, he asked to be released from his contract.

Cosmin Contra took over at Petrolul in October 2012, replacing Mircea Rednic.

On 10 March 2014, Cosmin Contra returned to Getafe and the Spanish top flight after four years, replacing Luis Garcia 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.

On 17 September 2017, following Christoph Daum's dismissal, Cosmin Contra was revealed as the new manager of Romania with the objective of qualifying for Euro 2020.

Cosmin Contra returned to Dinamo Bucharest in August 2020, signing a two-year contract.

On 29 August 2021, Cosmin Contra was appointed as manager of Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Professional League.

Cosmin Contra was dismissed by the Jeddah-based club in early July 2022, and replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo.

On 6 March 2023, Cosmin Contra joined Damac of the same country and league.