Iordanescu has change of heart
Wednesday, April 2, 2003
Article summary
Anghel Iordanescu, who resigned as Romania coach at the weekend, has decided to return to the post.
Article body
Anghel Iordanescu has reversed his decision to step down as Romania national team coach until the end of the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign when the situation will be reassessed.
More harm than good
Iordanescu was persuaded to stay on in the role of coach by the president of the Romanian Football Federation, Mircea Sandu, who persuaded him that to quit at such a crucial stage of qualifying would do more harm than good to the team.
'Very upset'
"When I said that I was quitting [following Romania's 5-2 home defeat against Denmark on Saturday], I was very, very upset," Iordanescu said. "I felt that the man who got things wrong, I mean me, should pay. When I discussed the situation with Mircea Sandu [after Saturday's game] I said that I would not continue despite the fact that Mircea refused my resignation.
'Meeting was decisive'
"I have had three nightmare days. My family told me not to quit and today's meeting with [Sandu] was decisive. I realised that Sandu is right when he says that it's better to keep the job until the end and that I would harm the players if I were to quit. I know best the problems which exist within the national team.
'We can do it'
'Full support'
"I had to persuade [Iordanescu]," Sandu said, "and this took a couple of days. He has my full support and we will try to help him in any way we can." Romania's defeat against Denmark left them a point behind the Danes and Norway in Group 2, having played a game more.
Popescu unmoved
Iordanescu's change of heart has not influenced the decision of the veteran national team captain Gheorghe Popescu who announced his retirement at the weekend. However, defender Iulian Filipescu, who also withdrew his services, has made himself available for selection once more.
Second spell
This is Iordanescu's second spell at the helm of the national team, following a first spell between 1993 and 1998. He returned to the job in January last year and his contract expires after the qualification campaign. Should Romania qualify for the tournament in Portugal, Iordanescu's contract was due to be extended until the end of qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
