Cosmin Contra

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

Cosmin Contra
Contra in 2018
Personal information
Full name Cosmin Marius Contra[1]
Date of birth (1975-12-15) 15 December 1975[1]
Place of birth Timișoara, Romania[1]
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[1]
Position(s) Right back, midfielder
Youth career
1988–1993 Politehnica Timișoara
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1993–1995 Politehnica Timișoara 51 (1)
1996–1999 Dinamo București 101 (8)
1999–2001 Alavés 66 (5)
2001–2002 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 60 (3)
2010 → Politehnica Timișoara (loan) 13 (3)
2010–2011 Politehnica Timișoara 9 (1)
Total 406 (24)
National team
1996–2010 Romania 73 (7)
Teams managed
2010 Politehnica Timișoara
2012 Fuenlabrada
2012–2014 Petrolul Ploiești
2014–2015 Getafe
2015 Guangzhou R&F
2016 Alcorcón
2017 Dinamo București
2017–2019 Romania
2020 Dinamo București
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Primarily an offensive-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

Early years and Alavés

Born in Timișoara, Contra started his professional career at local FC Politehnica, and moved in January 1996 to FC Dinamo București.

After three and a half seasons with the Bucharest-based team, he was transferred for $800.000 to Spain's Deportivo Alavés,[2] where he was an important part in the Basque side's runner-up run in the UEFA Cup,[3] his performances earning him in a place in the season's UEFA Team of the Year;[4] he also scored five La Liga goals during his spell.

Milan and Atlético

In the summer of 2001, Contra moved to Italian club A.C. Milan, but his spell there lasted only one season. In September 2002 he returned to Spain and signed with Atlético Madrid,[5] appearing very rarely in the 2003–04 campaign due to a serious ankle condition;[6] while still with Milan, he was suspended after a scuffle with Juventus FC's Edgar Davids.[7]

Contra signed for West Bromwich Albion on loan in August 2004,[8] making his debut in a 1–2 defeat at Colchester United in the second round of the Football League Cup on 21 September.[9] His maiden Premier League appearance occurred almost two months later, when they lost 2–1 at home against Middlesbrough.[10]

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 defeat to Liverpool.[11] 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 good performances.[2]

Getafe

Contra returned to Spain in August 2005, agreeing to a season-long loan with Getafe CF[12] 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).[13] He was used regularly by the Madrid outskirts side, battling for a first-team slot with David Cortés.[2]

In the 2007–08 UEFA Cup, Contra netted in both legs of the quarter-final tie against FC Bayern Munich, which ended in a 4–4 aggregate elimination after extra time.[14] Earlier in the competition, he scored a penalty kick against AEK Athens FC,[15] appearing in that match even though his father had died just hours before.[16]

Later career

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 FC Timișoara initially until June.[17][2] 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 FC Politehnica Iași.[18] Two months later, at FC Steaua București, he again found the net from two set pieces, one from a penalty (3–3 draw);[19] 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.[20] His contract expired the following day, and on 9 September he agreed to a new deal,[21] being announced as new player-coach six days later.[22]

International

Over 14 years, Contra earned 73 caps for Romania, scoring seven goals. He appeared for his country at UEFA Euro 2000 and 2008;[23] on 16 October 2002, he scored a hat-trick in a 7–0 win away to Luxembourg in qualification for Euro 2004.[24]

On 1 April 2009, after a match with Austria, Contra announced his retirement from international football. On 30 August 2010, however, the 34-year-old was recalled for two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Albania and Belarus.[25]

Coaching career

Early career

Contra made his Timișoara debut as a manager in September 2010, with a win against FC Sportul Studențesc București.[26] 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.[27]

Contra returned to Spain in July 2012, being appointed at Segunda División B side CF Fuenlabrada.[28] 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.[29]

Petrolul

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;[30] additionally, the club finished third in the domestic league, thus securing qualification to the Europa League after an 18-year-absence.

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 1–5 in Wales and winning 2–1 at home.[31]

Getafe

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.[32][33] His first match in charge came four days later, a 3–3 home draw against Granada CF;[34] they finally won a game on the penultimate day of the month, emerging victorious at Valencia CF 3–1.[35]

On 19 May 2014, Contra confirmed survival for the side after a 2–1 win away win over Rayo Vallecano.[36]

Guangzhou R&F

On 18 December 2014, Contra was named as the new manager of Guangzhou R&F FC, replacing Sven-Göran Eriksson.[37] He began working officially for the club on 4 January of the following year.[38]

Alcorcón and Dinamo Bucharest

On 15 June 2016, Contra was appointed at AD Alcorcón.[39] He was relieved of his duties on 12 October.[40]

In February 2017, Contra became Dinamo Bucharest's new coach.[41] He led the team to their first trophy in five years by winning the Cupa Ligii[42] but, after advances from the Romanian Football Federation, he resigned from his post on 16 September.[43]

Romania national team

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.[44] His first game in charge was on 5 October, a 3–1 win in Ploiești against Kazakhstan for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.[45]

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.[46][47]

Return to Dinamo

Contra returned to Dinamo Bucharest in August 2020, signing a two-year contract.[48]

Career statistics

International goals
Source:[49]
Scores and results table. Romania's goal tally first:
#DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
128 March 2001Boris Paichadze, Tbilisi, Georgia Georgia2–02–02002 World Cup qualification
214 November 2001Ghencea, Bucharest, Romania Slovenia1–11–12002 World Cup qualification – Playoffs
316 October 2002Josy Barthel, Luxembourg, Luxembourg Luxembourg4–07–0Euro 2004 qualifying
416 October 2002Josy Barthel, Luxembourg, Luxembourg Luxembourg5–07–0Euro 2004 qualifying
516 October 2002Josy Barthel, Luxembourg, Luxembourg Luxembourg7–07–0Euro 2004 qualifying
628 March 2007Stadionul Ceahlăul, Piatra Neamț, Romania Luxembourg2–03–0Euro 2008 qualifying
76 June 2007Dan Păltinișanu, Timișoara, Romania Slovenia2–02–0Euro 2008 qualifying

Managerial statistics
As of 28 November 2020[50][51][52][53]
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team Nat From To Record
G W D L GF GA GD Win %
Politehnica Timișoara 15 September 2010 5 December 2010 14 7 6 1 22 14 +8 050.00
Fuenlabrada 21 July 2012 29 October 2012 11 5 3 3 18 16 +2 045.45
Petrolul Ploiești 29 October 2012 10 March 2014 58 33 20 5 99 48 +51 056.90
Getafe 10 March 2014 4 January 2015 30 10 8 12 30 35 −5 033.33
Guangzhou R&F 4 January 2015 22 July 2015 30 9 7 14 37 45 −8 030.00
Alcorcón 15 June 2016 12 October 2016 11 4 3 4 6 9 −3 036.36
Dinamo București 16 February 2017 18 September 2017 28 15 7 6 41 24 +17 053.57
Romania 22 September 2017 18 November 2019 24 13 6 5 39 26 +13 054.17
Dinamo București 26 August 2020 Present 11 3 2 6 14 13 +1 027.27
Total 217 99 62 56 306 230 +76 045.62

Honours

Player

Alavés

Getafe

Individual

Manager

Petrolul Ploiești

Dinamo București

References
  1. "Cosmin Marius CONTRA". El Mundo (in Spanish). Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  2. 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.
  3. "Liverpool win nine-goal epic with golden goal". UEFA. 1 September 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
  4. "Contra voted Romania's finest". UEFA. 18 December 2001. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
  5. "Contra deal goes through". BBC Sport. 2 September 2002. Retrieved 14 March 2008.
  6. "Contra set for surgery". UEFA. 2 October 2003. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
  7. "Contra and Davids suspended after scuffle". UEFA. 12 August 2002. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
  8. "Baggies snap up Contra". BBC Sport. 31 August 2004. Retrieved 14 March 2008.
  9. "Colchester 2–1 West Brom". BBC Sport. 21 September 2004. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  10. "West Brom 1–2 Middlesbrough". BBC Sport. 14 November 2004. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  11. "West Brom 0–5 Liverpool". BBC Sport. 26 December 2004. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  12. "Contra seals Spanish switch". UEFA. 4 August 2005. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
  13. "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.
  14. Bryan, Paul (11 April 2008). "Crushed Contra defiant in defeat". UEFA. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
  15. "Getafe debut run goes on". UEFA. 21 February 2008. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
  16. "Un gol con dedicatoria especial" [Goal with a special dedication] (in Spanish). UEFA. 22 February 2008. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  17. "Contra se marcha a la Politécnica de Timișoara" [Contra goes to Politehnica Timișoara]. Marca (in Spanish). 26 January 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  18. "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.
  19. 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.
  20. "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.
  21. "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. Retrieved 9 September 2010.
  22. ""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.
  23. Stokkermans, Karel. "Cosmin Contra – International Appearances". RSSSF. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  24. "Ruthless Contra cashes in". UEFA. 16 October 2002. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  25. "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.
  26. "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.
  27. "Contra, demis de la FC Timișoara" [Contra, dismissed from Poli Timișoara] (in Romanian). Radio France Internationale. 5 December 2010. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. "Petrolul edge past Cluj to win Romanian Cup". Chicago Tribune. 1 June 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  31. Williams, Aled (29 August 2013). "Petrolul Ploiesti 2–1 Swansea (agg 3–6)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  32. "Presentación Contra" [Presentation of Contra] (in Spanish). Getafe CF. 10 March 2014. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  33. "Garcia does not fear Getafe sack". FourFourTwo. 9 March 2014. Archived from the original on 19 May 2014. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  34. "Granada, Getafe battle to wild draw". CBS Sports. 14 March 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  35. 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.
  36. "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.
  37. "Guangzhou R&F names Getafe's Cosmin Contra coach". The New Zealand Herald. 19 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  38. 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.
  39. "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.
  40. "Comunicado oficial" [Official announcement] (in Spanish). AD Alcorcón. 12 October 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  41. "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.
  42. "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.
  43. "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.
  44. "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.
  45. "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.
  46. "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.
  47. 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.
  48. "Cosmin Contra la Dinamo București" [Cosmin Contra at Dinamo Bucharest] (in Romanian). Dinamo București. 26 August 2020. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  49. "Cosmin Contra". European Football. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  50. "Cosmin Contra" (in Romanian). Labtof. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  51. Cosmin Contra manager profile at BDFutbol
  52. Cosmin Contra coach profile at Soccerway
  53. "Cosmin Contra". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  54. "Team of the Year 2001". UEFA. 3 January 2011. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
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