Marius Șumudică addresses rumors of return to Gaziantep amid CFR Cluj points deduction risk

Rumors have emerged linking 55-year-old Marius Șumudică with a return to Gaziantep. According to reports from iAMsport, the Turkish club is interested in securing his services again. Șumudică currently manages CFR Cluj in Romania.

CFR Cluj currently faces the risk of a six-point deduction. Șumudică stated that this potential penalty is the only reason he would consider leaving his current position. He confirmed he would depart immediately if the club receives the deduction.

Gaziantep is currently struggling in the Turkish championship. The team sits in 14th place with eight points from nine rounds. The club started the current season with Mirel Rădoi as their coach.

Supporters of Gaziantep are familiar with Șumudică from his two previous stints at the club. He managed the team from July 2019 to January 2021 and returned for a second period from August 2023 to March 2024.

During his first year in charge, Gaziantep achieved an eighth-place finish. Șumudică noted that this remains the best finish in the history of the club. His second stint ended when Gaziantep dismissed him while the team was in fourth place following an unfortunate statement.

Șumudică holds a contract with CFR Cluj that runs until June 30. He confirmed that his agreement does not contain a release clause. The Romanian team recently played a 1-1 draw against Petrolul.

The coach also highlighted recent squad changes at his current club. He told Fanatik that CFR Cluj lost 19 players compared to last year.