Constantin Schumacher will not continue as head coach of Minaur Baia Mare for the upcoming 2025/26 Liga 3 season following the club’s failure to secure promotion this summer. The Romanian coach, originally from Fălticeni, declined Minaur’s contract renewal offer and is set to join another Liga 3 team, SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea, which also missed out on promotion.
Schumacher took charge of Minaur Baia Mare in January 2025, replacing Marius Popescu, who was the second coach after Francisc Dican started the season. Before joining Minaur, Schumacher had parted ways with CSC Șelimbăr in November 2024, a club he signed with at the start of the Liga 2 season.
Under Schumacher’s leadership, Minaur finished the regular season at the top of Seria 10, overcoming SCM Zalău by two points after 15 rounds. However, in the promotion playoff, Minaur ended the campaign in second place, seven points ahead of Zalău and two above CSM Olimpia Satu Mare. The team narrowly missed promotion after being eliminated in the semifinal playoff by Poli Timișoara in a tense penalty shootout following a 3-3 aggregate score.
The club publicly announced Schumacher’s departure on July 7, expressing gratitude for his professionalism and dedication during his tenure. The decision to part ways was reportedly driven by personal reasons, with Schumacher citing a reduced salary offer and an attractive opportunity closer to home at SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea, where he is expected to replace Eugen Beza.
Minaur Baia Mare is likely to appoint Flavius Sabău as their new head coach. Sabău, 41, recently left SCM Zalău after leading them in the final stages of the play-off. He was previously considered by Minaur during the winter but was ultimately passed over in favor of Schumacher. Sabău brings experience from several Liga 3 clubs and football development roles, positioning him well to lead Minaur in their next campaign.
Additionally, key player Mircea Donca will not continue with Minaur, having signed with CSM Olimpia Satu Mare to continue competing in Liga 2.
This coaching change marks a significant shift for Minaur Baia Mare as they aim to rebuild and push for promotion in the next season, while Schumacher seeks to bring his expertise to SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea.
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*Insight:* Minaur’s decision to move on from Schumacher despite a strong season finish highlights the club’s ambition to restructure and reignite their promotion bid under new leadership, while Schumacher’s move to Râmnicu Vâlcea signals fresh tactical challenges ahead for both sides.