Hagi leaves Galatasaray for the second time
Saturday, March 26, 2011
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Gheorghe Hagi said he was "sad for leaving but had no regrets" after his second spell in charge of Galatasaray AŞ came to an end following three defeats in four league games.
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Galatasaray AŞ have parted company with coach Gheorghe Hagi following a run of results which has left them 11th in the Turkish Super League.
When Hagi replaced Frank Rijkaard in October last year, he assumed the Galatasaray reins for the second time, having occupied the role in the 2004/05 campaign when he led the Istanbul team to a 5-1 Turkish Cup final triumph against city rivals Fenerbahçe SK.
However, he has since struggled to galvanise the side, losing 13 league games this term. Also out of the Turkish Cup, Galatasaray have taken action, appointing Bülent Ünder as caretaker coach in place of the former Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona midfielder.
"The most important thing for me is the future of Galatasaray," said Hagi. "After talking to the president, we have decided to cancel my contract by mutual consent. I am sad for leaving but have no regrets." Bülent was a Galatasaray player from 1969 to 1978 and was an assistant to Erik Gerets in the 2005/06 season.