Lucescu is no longer the coach of Romania
It’s over for Mircea Lucescu at the helm of Romania. The country announced on Thursday that it has parted ways with its 80-year-old coach, after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. To replace him, Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi is rumored to be in line, according to Romanian sports media.
Appointed in August 2024 on a two-year contract, Lucescu led the “Tricolorii” for the last time against Turkey, who dashed their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup (1-0). He was thanked by the federation in a statement, citing his record of 11 wins, one draw, and six defeats.
This is not the first time Lucescu has coached the national team. He notably secured their first Euro qualification in 1984, before leaving his position two years later.
AFP
Boudjellal future president of OM? His response in Rothen s’enflamme
Six years after his failed attempt to take over OM in 2020, Mourad Boudjellal could be interested in the presidency of the Marseille club. He discussed the topic on Thursday in the show Rothen s’enflamme on RMC.
“I have changed my life, but I am still an OM supporter (…) I have a publishing house that is doing well. A challenge like that… I am 65 years old. That would mean giving up everything, especially since there is still a project. You have to be creative, know how to sell your club. It’s a huge project. There is also a visibility problem for football, whose economic model has been completely disrupted.”
“Mohamed (Bouhafsi) is very good. If he takes the position, he will be under immense pressure, he won’t pretend. If Frank McCourt calls me? It depends on whether he invites me to dinner (laughs). No, but in my personal life, it would already be complicated, I don’t want to abandon my loved ones. The person who takes over OM, they will install a bed right there. Plus, I am for short circuits. It would be a revolution, the club is not designed for that. I think Mohamed (Bouhafsi) has the shoulders. I won’t go. I could go just for the pleasure of being courted.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to, but it would not be reasonable in my life. (…) I can create an economic model in Marseille. But a sports model, I’m not sure.”
Barça: Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea… Jules Koundé attracting suitors
According to Mundo Deportivo, several top European clubs are interested in Jules Koundé. Despite extending his contract until 2030 last year, the French international is reportedly on the radar of Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea. Barcelona would like to keep a key player in the squad, but will be attentive to any desire for a move from their right-back. However, the club would not oppose a big offer for the World Cup runner-up, estimated between 65 and 80 million euros.
