Cluj replace Conceição with Mandorlini

Romanian leaders CFR 1907 Cluj have bought in Italian coach Andrea Mandorlini to fill in the coaching void after the departure of Portuguese Antonio Conceição, following a disastrous Europa League campaign.

CFR on course for a second Romanian title in three years 13 games into the season but in the UEFA Europa League three defeats in a row have left them bottom of Group K.

The 47-year-old Conceição, who had previously coached Portuguese clubs Braga and Naval, was installed in April and aided victories in the Romanian Cup and Romanian Super Cup, but has given way to 49-year-old former FC Internazionale Milano player Mandorlini.

Mandorlini has considerable coaching experience in Italy dating back to 1993, most notably leading Atalanta BC to promotion from Serie B in 2003/04.

“I came to Cluj because I was convinced by their project and by their ambitions,” Mandorlini said.

“What they have done in the last eight years is almost impossible to be achieved by a club.”

Four points adrift of second-placed AC Sparta Praha in Group K, CFR must win at København on 3 December and beat PSV Eindhoven 13 days later, as well as needing other results to go their way.