Balint makes a sharp exit
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Article summary
Gavril Balint has resigned as coach of FC Politehnica AEK Timisoara after only a month in charge.
Article body
Insurmountable problems
The 40-year-old, who joined the club after winning the 2002/03 Moldovan title with FC Sheriff Tiraspol, has stepped down after deciding he could not deal with the club's problems. Balint's assistant, Stelian Gherman, has also left.
Financial difficulties
Politehnica survived a relegation play-off last season under coach Gheorghe Multescu, who subsequently departed for Samsunspor in Turkey. The team are in severe financial trouble with the two main shareholders Anton Dobos and Iosif Armas at loggerheads over the club's future.
'No money or training grounds'
"I quit and I don't want to be a part of this mess," said Balint. "I am sorry I came here and that I didn't leave earlier. It was obvious that there are not the necessary conditions for success - there is no money or training ground." Former Politehnica player Viorel Visan has been announced as Balint's replacement and will be assisted by another old boy, Adrian Stoicov.
