Lucescu makes Rapid exit
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Article summary
Coach Razvan Lucescu has turned down the chance of more UEFA Cup glory with AFC Rapid Bucuresti by agreeing to take charge of FCU Politehnica Timisoara.
Article body
Razvan Lucescu has turned down the chance of more UEFA Cup glory at AFC Rapid Bucuresti by agreeing to coach FCU Politehnica Timisoara.
Surprise run
The 37-year-old, son of FC Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu, will reportedly have a three-year contract and take his entire coaching team to Timisoara. He caused a stir last season when he led Rapid to the UEFA Cup quarter-finals only to be eliminated on away goals by city rivals FC Steaua Bucuresti. Rapid also lost out to Steaua in the Romanian title race, finishing five points behind the champions in second place.
Success
Lucescu did achieve success in the Romanian Cup, taking the trophy with a 1-0 triumph against FC National 2000 Bucuresti. He will have to focus on domestic duties with his new club as they finished eighth, outside the European qualification positions, in 2005/06 under Iosif Rotariu, who only took charge two games before the end of term following the departure of Gheorghe Hagi. Lucescu's replacement at Rapid is not yet known.
