Mircea Lucescu has been officially presented as the coach of the Romanian national team. He has signed a two-year contract with the objective of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Lucescu returns to the national team after 38 years and was the Romanian Football Federation’s second choice after Gică Hagi turned down the offer.
"I felt nostalgic for the past period when I had extraordinary moments. I am at a disadvantage, having been absent from Romanian football for many years. Since my return, I have tried to assess our level and what can be done. I never thought for a moment that I would become a national team coach or be offered the position.
To be honest, I did everything possible not to accept. It was normal to give young coaches the chance to move forward. I spoke with Edi to convince him to stay for 4-5 years. Then I spoke with Gică Hagi, who desires so much to coach the national team. In the end, no agreement was reached. I told them that when they have no other solution, I have an obligation to return. I am taking a risk, and I realize that it is a big risk, but Romanian football deserves it. I do not need money, I do not want another career," stated Mircea Lucescu.
Furthermore, Mircea Lucescu stated that he doesn't know much about the Romanian national team.
"I don't even know the players. I asked to see them in person, to get to know them. It is a surprising moment for me, but I realized that my presence is necessary. I will do absolutely everything possible for my experience to help them," Lucescu added.
The coach was out of contract since the end of 2023, when he parted ways with Dynamo Kyiv.
He previously coached the national team between 1981 and 1986, leading us to the EURO 1984. He also had an experience as the coach of the Turkish national team between 2017 and 2019.