Hagi Takes the Helm as Head Coach of Romania’s National Team After Lucescu’s Passing

The announcement was made during an official press conference held by the Romanian Football Federation, where Razvan Burleanu, the federation president, and Mihai Stoichita, the technical director, were also present.

Negotiations between Hagi and the federation have concluded, making the legendary midfielder the leading choice to fill the vacancy left by the late Mircea Lucescu, who had taken charge of the national team in August 2024.

“It’s a tremendous honour and a significant responsibility to again represent Romania, as I did as a player. I aim to achieve the same as a coach. Ultimately, it’s all about delivering results and finding success,” Hagi remarked in his first comments as the newly appointed coach.

Burleanu commented, “After numerous attempts over the years to bring Gica Hagi back to the fold, we can finally announce that he is returning to the national team. We have great confidence in this journey we are embarking on together, harnessing the best talents available to achieve our objectives. Our immediate goal is to win our next match.”

Hagi set to make history

This marks Hagi’s second stint as head coach of the Romania national team following his first tenure from September 1st to November 27th, 2001. He took over just after hanging up his boots and during his initial coaching experience, but his first term lasted only three months, concluding after failing to secure qualification for the 2002 World Cup, with a playoff setback against Slovenia that saw draws of 1-2 and 1-1.

Throughout his coaching career, Hagi has led Bursaspor, Galatasaray, Poli Timisoara, Steaua Bucuresti, FC Viitorul Constanta, and Farul Constanta. His impressive coaching record includes two league titles (with FC Viitorul and Farul), one Romanian Cup (with FC Viitorul), a Romanian Super Cup (with FC Viitorul), and a Turkish Cup (with Galatasaray).

Hagi steps in to succeed Mircea Lucescu, whose contract ended on April 2nd. Lucescu was rushed to hospital on March 29th after falling ill during a technical session ahead of a training camp for the national team, having missed out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup following a 1-0 defeat to Turkey on March 26th.

Tragically, Mircea Lucescu passed away on April 7th at the age of 80 at the University Hospital in Bucharest.