​Rapid Bucharest announced on Saturday the departure of Adrian Mutu, who is likely to sign a contract with the Azerbaijani side Neftchi Baku.

Adrian MutuPhoto: Flaviu Buboi/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Editorial/Profimedia

>> Criticism of Adrian Mutu after his decision to leave Rapid for Neftchi Baku

Adrian Mutu is no longer the coach of Rapid

The Juleshti group made the announcement via a Facebook post. Shareholder Dan Shuku and President Daniel Nikulae commented on Mutu’s departure.

“Our club has parted ways with Adrian Mutu, the coach who has been in charge of Rapid for the past 16 months.

“Mr Mutu’s decision to leave has caused a lot of controversial discussions at the club, but I don’t want to elaborate on them. Doing laundry in public is not the kind of attitude I want for Rapid. But I would like to confess to you that a year and a half ago, when Mr. Mutu became the coach of Rapid, I had some apprehensions.

Based on the idea that in his playing career he was an undisputed star in the big teams he played for, I was afraid that he would not behave in the same way as a coach. I was pleasantly surprised to find a mature colleague who knew how to establish himself as a valuable component of the team rather than a star. I’m sorry to see Adrian go, but love can’t be forced! Thanks Adrian! Good luck in the future!” – Dan Shuku, majority shareholder of Rapid.

“I’m sorry that Adrian preferred another way, especially since we have less than a week until the start of the new season, but unfortunately the clause he had in his contract did not allow us to convince him to stay. I wish him further success!

Fast forward as usual with another trainer we will announce soon. We are convinced that together with this, as well as with our unique fans, we will achieve our goals in the new season” – Daniel Nikulaye, president of Rapid FC.

Thank you for the wonderful moments! Good luck!”, This is stated in the press release of the “Rapid” club.

Know:

  • Mutu arrived at Julesti in March 2022, leading Rapidool in 56 games.
  • With Adrian Mutu on the bench, “Rapid” won 28 wins, 12 draws and 16 losses (goal difference 96-65).
  • Mutu came on the bench for Giulesti ahead of the 2021/22 play-offs as Rapid finished in ninth position. Last season, Rapid finished the championship in fifth place, being eliminated in the groups of the Romanian Cup.
  • In addition, three members of Adrian Mutu’s staff will no longer remain in Julesti: Bohdan Petrascu, Alin Kitsa and Mihai Nedaban.