Constantin Schumacher and Minaur Baia Mare have mutually decided not to continue their collaboration for the upcoming 2025/26 Liga 3 season after failing to secure promotion this summer. Schumacher, originally from Fălticeni, declined Minaur’s contract renewal offer and is poised to take over at SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea, another Liga 3 club that also missed promotion to Liga 2.
Schumacher took charge of Minaur Baia Mare in January 2025, replacing Marius Popescu, who had succeeded Francisc Dican earlier in the season. Under Schumacher’s leadership, Minaur finished the regular season at the top of their series and secured second place in the play-offs. Despite a strong campaign, they were eliminated in the promotion play-off semifinals by Poli Timișoara after a tense penalty shootout.
The club formally announced the separation on July 7, 2025, thanking Schumacher for his professionalism and dedication, but citing personal reasons for his departure. Among the factors influencing his decision were a reduced salary offer and an attractive proposal from SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea, a club geographically closer to his home. SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea is preparing to replace their outgoing coach Eugen Beza with Schumacher, who communicated his intentions to the Minaur staff as early as July 1.
Meanwhile, Minaur Baia Mare is reportedly in talks with Flavius Sabău, recently departed from SCM Zalău, to become their new head coach. Sabău, 41, has experience managing several Liga 3 teams and was previously considered for the Minaur position earlier this year but was passed over in favor of Schumacher.
Schumacher’s coaching career is extensive, having managed teams such as Juventus București, Oțelul Galați, Petrolul Ploiești, and CSC Șelimbăr, among others. His departure marks a significant transition for both Minaur Baia Mare and SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea as they prepare for the new season with fresh coaching strategies aimed at achieving promotion.
This coaching shuffle highlights the competitive and dynamic nature of Liga 3, where managerial decisions can have substantial impacts on clubs’ promotion ambitions.