Craiova exit fuels talk of Edward Iordanescu return

CS Universitatea Craiova’s failure to reach the league phase of European competition has triggered fresh uncertainty around head coach Filipe Coelho, with Romanian media now linking former Legia Warsaw manager Edward Iordanescu to the role.

European ambition ends in painful fashion

After winning their first Romanian title in 25 years last season, Craiova had targeted a step forward both on and off the pitch through qualification for the league phase in Europe. That objective has now slipped away, and the manner of the club’s Europa League exit has only sharpened the reaction.

Craiova had already dropped out of the Champions League qualifiers after a two-legged defeat to Levski Sofia, but remained alive in the Europa League. They then moved past Finnish side KuPS before meeting Ararat Armenia in the fourth qualifying round.

The tie was left finely balanced after the first leg ended level, and the decisive moment came deep into added time in the return match. A penalty was awarded to Ararat Armenia and, although goalkeeper Laurentiu Popescu initially saved it, the kick was ordered to be retaken because Oleksandr Romanczuk had entered the penalty area too early. Popescu again kept out the second attempt, but the rebound fell to Sandro Lima, who converted and sent the Romanian champions out.

Coelho defends performance after elimination

Coelho argued after the match that his side had done enough in general play to deserve more, but accepted that their failure in front of goal proved decisive.

“I think we were the better team. We had many chances to score. We showed character, we played well, but we lacked the most important thing in football — the goal. Sometimes football is unfair. I do not like to talk about luck or bad luck, we simply were not effective in front of the opponent’s goal,” he said at his post-match press conference.

That assessment may do little to quiet the debate. Craiova’s European elimination was a major setback given the expectations created by last season’s title, and attention has quickly turned to whether the club will respond with a change on the bench.

Iordanescu emerges in Romanian media reports

Discussion in Romania has centred on Edward Iordanescu as a possible successor if Coelho leaves. Journalist Costin Stucan, quoted by sport.ro, said the situation should be treated as a rumour, but added that he had been told Coelho could depart if the club failed to reach the Europa League.

Former player Robert Nita also backed the idea, suggesting Iordanescu would represent a step up and a significant appointment from an image and sporting perspective. He pointed to the club’s financial stability, training conditions, squad quality and support as reasons why the job could appeal.

Former Legia coach brings profile and experience

Iordanescu is a familiar name to Polish supporters after his spell in charge of Legia Warsaw from 1 July to 31 October 2025. During that period he oversaw 24 matches, winning 11, drawing six and losing seven. Before that, he served as Romania’s national team coach between 2022 and 2024.

For now, there has been no confirmation of a managerial change at Craiova. But after a season that promised progress on the European stage ended with a dramatic elimination against Ararat Armenia, the pressure around Coelho has clearly intensified.