Reghecampf set to leave Esperance de Tunis amid Steaua Bucuresti link

Laurentiu Reghecampf failed to join Esperance de Tunis’ squad on Tuesday morning as the team travelled to Ain Draham for a week-long training camp during the international break.

Mosaique FM reported that Reghecampf was absent when the delegation set off. The Romanian coach’s entire backroom staff also missed the departure, according to the report.

The Belgian technical director, Joel Crahay, did join the squad and is expected to oversee training on a temporary basis.

The developments come as Esperance de Tunis work towards a formal agreement with the coach who will replace Reghecampf.

Steaua Bucuresti agreement

Reghecampf’s future came under further scrutiny after Gigi Becali, the owner of Romanian club Steaua Bucuresti, discussed the coach’s situation.

Speaking to Romanian website Fanatik, Becali said he had reached an agreement with Reghecampf for him to take charge of the club.

Steaua Bucuresti’s position has become more pressing after they suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat by Craiova in the 10th round of the Romanian league.

The result left Steaua Bucuresti 10th in the table with 12 points from 120 matches.

Becali said he would pay the €150,000 release clause required to terminate Reghecampf’s contract with Esperance de Tunis.

Reghecampf left Al-Hilal of Sudan only a few days after renewing his contract with the club before moving to Esperance de Tunis in June.

Tunisian media reports have since listed several possible successors to the Romanian, including current Al-Hazem manager Jalel Kadri and another coach from Serbia.

Esperance de Tunis are currently fourth in the Tunisian league with nine points from four matches, having won three and lost one.

The club are preparing to face Libya’s Al-Suyouhly in the preliminary round, or round of 32, of the CAF Champions League.