It used to be “pigtail” at the door of the federation, when the position of selector became vacant. Today, candidates don't know what reason to cite to politely decline the FRF offer!
Burleanu said that we will have a selector with an extended contract at the Euros, which did not happen
This reality was seen especially after the departure of Mirel Rădoi, in November 2021. Then, the Burleanu administration was hit with refusals on the tape, Dan Petrescu, Gheorghe Hagi and Răzvan Lucescu saying “not” the national team, to stay at CFR Cluj, Farul Constanța, respectively PAOK Thessaloniki. Only after other failed negotiations with Ladislau Bölöni – with whom the FRF discussed more in front of the world! – clapped hands with Edward Iordănescu.
This arduous process, to find a selector – it all took almost 2 months! -, exasperated the people from the FRF. Who left Iordănescu alone, after the failure of the League of Nations campaign, when Romania finished in last place and was relegated to C! Probably also out of a desire not to resume the rush for a replacement, Burleanu and company went with Edward Iordănescu in the qualification campaign for Euro 2024. Which turned out to be an inspired decision, since the tricolors are now preparing for the final tournament.
The federation's problem is that, at this moment, despite some polite statements from the selector, he refused to sign the contract extension. Which expires after Romania's last match at Euro 2024. So, if we strictly follow the documents, the reality is that we do not know with which selector we will approach the League of Nations, the 2024-2025 edition. This campaign will be launched in September. Attention: Edward Iordănescu refused to be present at the draw, which placed the national team in a group with Kosovo, Cyprus and Lithuania. Because his presence on the bench, in these games, is not a certainty.
Burleanu spoke, Burleanu heard
In recent months, FRF has been trying to force Iordănescu's hand and get his signature on a new contract, valid for the League of Nations and for the preliminaries of the World Cup in 2026. So, we are talking about a 4-year deal. But in vain!
Not more than a week ago, Răzvan Burleanu assured that the new contract would be signed before the departure of the national team to Germany, for Euro 2024.
“We are aiming to sign this contract by the time we leave for Germany. There were more discussions, there are more new clauses in terms of duration, but also other benefits because he is a coach who has been successful. The ball is in his court, we await his response and agreement. It's a goal that we have assumed, and he, too. Until we leave (no – at Euro 2024), let's know if we can continue with Edi after the final tournament. At the same time, we are ready for anything“, said the head of the FRF.
The national team arrived in Germany on Monday evening and had its first official training yesterday at the base in Wurzburg. Without any official news about the contract extension with the current selector. What it confirms: Edward Iordănescu did what he wanted with the federation and imposed his point of view, refusing to contract with the national team after Euro 2024.
A wise decision and two options
There is a simple explanation for the current selector's decision. He wants to see the behavior of the first representative in the final tournament and, depending on it, make a decision regarding his professional future.
If Romania leaves a good impression at Euro 2024, then Edward Iordănescu will continue. Otherwise, he would prefer to leave to accept the money offer of a club in Asia, thus capitalizing on his good share. In addition, the selector is aware that a miss at the European Championship will have long-term consequences! Because, clearly, it will spoil the atmosphere and trust within the group. And as the national team is already falling – it has no victory in 2024! – a failure at Euro 2024 would increase the risks of another, coming in the Nations League campaign.
That's why Iordănescu made a wise decision for him and postponed, for now, the extension of his contract with FRF.
Adrian Mutu. PHOTO: The Truth Archive
The first option of the federation is free of contract
“We are ready for anything“, said Răzvan Burleanu, last week, when he was asked about Edward Iordănescu's situation. This phrase indicates that the federation is also considering a possible departure of the coach after the final tournament. Which is natural, since the signing of a new contract was systematically refused by Iordănescu. And if this will leave the first representative team after Euro 2024, FRF already has an option. We are talking about the installation of Adrian Mutu (45 years old). He is free of contract, after leaving CFR Cluj in April. And in very good relations with the people at Casa Fotbalului, after the mandate he had, at the national youth team, between January 2020 – April 2021. Mutu also qualified Romania U21 for the 2021 European Championship, obtaining 5 points at the final tournament, after victory with Hungary U21 and draws with Netherlands U21 and Germany U21. Even though the small tricolors left the competition after the group stage, and Mutu went to Mititelu's Craiova, he remained in very good relations with Burleanu and the company.
“Adevărul” reporter Paul Cirican, a journalist with over two decades of experience, present at several major competitions over the years, will broadcast from Germany. From there, he will make reports and follow the progress of the tricolors in the final tournament.
When and where is Romania playing at Euro 2024, in group E
*June 17: ROMANIA – Ukraine (Munich, 4 p.m.), Belgium – Slovakia (Frankfurt, 7 p.m.)
*June 21: Slovakia – Ukraine (Dusseldorf, 4 p.m.)
*June 22: Belgium – ROMANIA (Koln, 10 p.m.)
*June 26: Slovakia – ROMANIA (Frankfurt, 19.00), Ukraine – Belgium (Stuttgart, 19.00)
The top two teams from each group, plus the best four third places from all six Euro 2024 groups, qualify for the round of 16.
Pro TV, Pro Arena and the VOYO platform broadcast the European Championship in Germany. The team of commentators will be made up of Cristian Pintea, Ion Alexandru, Mihai Dedu and Andrei Grecu.
Lot of Romania
*Goalkeepers: Niță (Gaziantep), H. Moldovan (Atletico Madrid), Târnovanu (FCSB)
*Backs: Rațiu (Rayo Vallecano), Mogoș (CFR Cluj), Drăgușin (Tottenham), Racovițan (Rakow), Rus (Pafos), Nedelcearu (Palermo), Burcă (Al-Okhdood), Bancu (Universitatea Craiova)
*Midfielders: Sorescu (Gaziantep), M. Marin (Pisa), Cicâldău (Konyaspor), R. Marin (Empoli), Stanciu (Damac), Șut (FCSB), Olaru (FCSB), Man (Parma), Mihăilă (Parma), I Hagi (Alaves), Coman (FCSB)
*Forwarders: Drăguș (Gaziantep), Pușcaș (Bari), Alibec (Muaither), Bîrligea (CFR Cluj)
