The coach Edward Iordanescu has decided to step down from his position as the head coach of Romania, the Romanian federation announced this Monday, after the national team reached the round of 16 at Euro 2024.
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The 46-year-old coach, whose contract was set to expire at the end of July, chose to "take a break," according to the statement from the federation.
"My mission has come to an end," wrote Iordanescu, who led the Romanian national team to the final stage of the European Championship without any defeats in the qualifiers, after missing out on the 2020 edition.
Romania has participated in six European Championships, with their best result being reaching the quarter-finals in 2000.
At Euro 2024, the Romanian team, which won Group E thanks to goal difference after a draw with four points, fell to the Netherlands in the round of 16.
Edward Iordanescu is the son of former coach Anghel Iordanescu, who managed the national team on three occasions: from 1993 to 1998, from 2002 to 2004, and from 2014 to 2016. His crowning achievement was reaching the quarter-finals of the 1994 World Cup with a team that featured standout players such as Ilie Dumitrescu, Florin Raducioiu, Gica Popescu, and, most notably, Gheorghe Hagi.
Edward Iordanescu's tenure as the head coach of Romania has been marked by a strategic approach and a focus on revitalizing the team's performance on the international stage. Under his guidance, the team showed resilience and tactical discipline, which were key factors in their successful qualification campaign for Euro 2024. Despite the setback at the round of 16, Iordanescu's efforts have been recognized as pivotal in re-establishing Romania as a competitive force in European football.
Looking ahead, the Romanian Football Federation will need to find a suitable replacement who can build on Iordanescu's work and continue to develop the team's potential. The new coach will have the task of maintaining the momentum gained during Iordanescu's tenure and preparing the team for future competitions, including the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Edward Iordanescu's decision to step down opens a new chapter in his career, and his contributions to Romanian football, both as a coach and as part of the Iordanescu legacy, will be remembered. His father's influence and achievements have undoubtedly shaped his approach to coaching, and Edward's own journey reflects the dedication and passion that runs in the family.
Updated: 02:02, 22 Jul 2024
