Lucescu Takes the Helm: Romanian National Coach Vows to Rise to the Challenge
Mircea Lucescu on Romania’s Upcoming Matches and His Return to the National Team
Romania is set to face Kosovo on Friday, September 6, at 21:45, in Pristina, followed by a match against Lithuania on September 9, at 21:45, at the Steaua Stadium. Both games are part of the League of Nations.
Mircea Lucescu’s Thoughts on His Debut as Romanian National Coach
“Romania is a team that has qualified for the European Championship and achieved a remarkable performance, coming out of the group in first place. The Romanian national team is ready to make every effort to take a step forward for possible World Cup qualification. We are here to play football in a European competition where each team tries to bring their best to the field,” said Mircea Lucescu.
Lucescu emphasized the importance of a sporting atmosphere, stating, “I expect a sporting atmosphere, regardless of what one fan or another will allow themselves to do during this game. The game is being played on the pitch, and I expect there will be no incidents. We are sportsmen and we know how to protect each other, we all have this DNA of fair play in us.”
Lucescu’s Approach to the Upcoming Matches
“All the missions are difficult, but I know what I committed myself to and we try to do what we have to do together. The time available was very short, some of the players only did one training session, the one on Wednesday. So that’s the situation, but we work a lot on the mental level. But I am glad that I have met a good, obedient, disciplined and attentive group. But something more is needed to make a leap. We will see to what extent we succeed. It depends on them, I am here to help them with my experience.”
Mircea Lucescu on Horatiu Moldovan
Regarding Horatiu Moldovan, Lucescu stated, “It is my decision about him. He asked me to leave it because he wanted to become the owner there. And I want to become a holder there. He was criticized for not playing because he was not training with the team and needed time to train with the team. So he gave me the phone, and I think that instead of keeping it in reserve, it is better for him to train there, to be a starter in Sassuolo, so that we have a goalkeeper who can play game after game in a strong championship.”