Politehnica Iași parted ways with Leo Grozavu on saturday, following the defeat against FC Botoșani with a score of 2-1 in the play-out, and has now confirmed the name of a new head coach.
The president of Politehnica’s Board of Directors, Cornel Șfaițer, a former president in Liga 1 at Botoșani, announced that the new coach under Copou will be the 43-year-old Portuguese Tony da Silva, who has worked in the second and third tiers of Portuguese football.
"We had to act quickly to get the team out of crisis. We didn't have time to wait for any coach, regardless of their reputation. The new coach needs time to prepare for the match against FC U Craiova 1948, which we must win. From the multitude of proposals we received, we decided on Tony. The fact that he speaks Romanian and other international languages was crucial, as well as the fact that he has always followed our championship, being aware of everything that happens. I trust that Tony will be a De Zerbi of Romania!" said Șfaițer to Gazeta Sporturilor newspaper.
It is known that Tony has previously negotiated for the position of head coach at FCSB, but the negotiations with owner Gigi Becali were halted. Tony has coached as a head coach or assistant at Academico Viseu, Freamunde, Oliveirense, Braganca, Vilar Perdizes, Pacos de Fereira, or Montalegre.
As a player, Tony, a former captain for 3 years at CFR Cluj, won two league titles, two Romanian Cups, and a Super Cup, all with the team from Gruia.
D.A.