Hamzaoğlu leaves Galatasaray, Taffarel caretaker

Galatasaray have announced the departure of coach Hamza Hamzaoğlu, with Cláudio Taffarel to be in caretaker charge.

The club revealed the decision to let Hamzaoğlu go on Wednesday and the following day general secretary Fatih İşbecer told the club's television station that goalkeeping coach Taffarel would be in temporary charge when they play Antalyaspor on Saturday.

Hamzaoğlu leaves with the Turkish champions third in the Süper Lig, five points off the lead after losing 4-3 at Rizespor in their last game before the international break. They also lie third in UEFA Champions League Group C and must win at Atlético Madrid on Wednesday to remain in top-two contention.

A club statement read: "An agreement has been reached with Galatasaray football team coach, Hamza Hamzaoğlu, to terminate his contract by mutual content. We would like to thank him for services rendered to our club so far, and wish him success in his future career."

Taffarel kept goal in Galatarasay's 2000 UEFA Cup win©Getty Images

Hamzaoğlu said: "The board delivered the message that they don't want to work with me any more and I respect this decision. I don't want to talk too much about this subject. I just want to thank all the people who showed faith and supported us."

The 46-year-old was appointed last December having previously been assistant to Turkey coach Fatih Terim, and guided the club to a league-and-cup double. Formerly a hard-working left-winger, Hamzaoğlu spent four years playing at Galatasaray, winning two league titles.

Former Brazil goalkeeper Taffarel, meanwhile, takes caretaker charge of the third time. He first entered the fray in a period when the coaching staff were suspended during Terim's most recent spell at the helm and more recently was in command for a 1-0 defeat of Gaziantepspor between the sacking of Cesare Prandelli and the appointment of Hamzaoğlu.