Mircea Lucescu is battling illness while chasing a final World Cup dream with Romania. The 80-year-old coach has been hospitalised three times since December but remains determined to lead the national team to their first World Cup in 28 years through upcoming playoff matches against Turkey.
Lucescu, who captained Romania at the 1970 World Cup, took charge of the national team again after Euro 2024. He described it as a duty to Romanian football, saying: 'I felt it was my duty to take charge of the team. It wasn’t just a major responsibility. It was my duty for everything that Romanian football has ever given to me.' Despite his health, he insists he cannot step away.
During hospital stays, Lucescu has analysed Turkey’s games and stayed in contact with his squad. He acknowledged the challenge of playing in an intimidating atmosphere at Besiktas's home stadium. The manager, who has won over 30 trophies in a career spanning clubs like Inter, Galatasaray, and Shakhtar Donetsk, previously led Romania to Euro 1984 and laid foundations for their 1990s World Cup appearances.
Lucescu declined to specify his illness, fearing it would dominate headlines. He remains focused on the playoff semi-final, wanting to build belief in his players. 'We must believe in our chance to qualify,' he said, recalling the 1970 team's courage against Brazil and England.
