Marius Croitoru, aged 43, has officially parted ways with FCU Craiova after a turbulent start to the season in Liga 2. The final straw came after a disappointing draw against FC Voluntari, which prompted Adrian Mititelu, the club’s financial backer, to make the decision to part company with the head coach. The club announced the departure on social media, stating that results had fallen short of expectations and that Croitoru was no longer in charge of the Oltenian side.
In an official statement from FCU Craiova, the club confirmed the mutual termination of the contract:
“Thank you, Marius Croitoru! Our club and Marius Croitoru have mutually agreed to terminate our collaboration. We appreciate his work at FCU 1948 and wish him success in the future.”
Adrian Mititelu also provided further details to GSP.ro, stressing that the decision to part ways was amicable. “Nothing dramatic happened. It was a mutual and friendly separation. I say this without any pretension. I regret parting with Marius, but we both reached the conclusion that changes were needed,” said Mititelu.
Mititelu explained that a “restart” was necessary for the team due to their poor performances this season, and both parties agreed it was time for a new direction. He also added that it was Croitoru who initially suggested the need for change.
The club’s owner hinted at ongoing discussions to find a new head coach, but no formal decisions had been made. Mititelu expressed hope that a solution would be found quickly, as the club faces a critical period in their campaign. “There are a few discussions, but it’s too early to announce anything concrete. I hope to find a solution as soon as possible because it’s a difficult situation,” Mititelu remarked.
For now, Valentin David is set to serve as the interim coach, but Mititelu aims to have a permanent replacement in place by the upcoming match against Csikszereda on October 27th. “I hope to resolve it as quickly as possible, no later than Thursday,” he added.
A Rocky Road for Croitoru
This parting of ways comes after weeks of speculation. Croitoru had previously considered resigning three weeks earlier, following a heavy 0-3 home loss to CS Afumați. At the time, Mititelu had reportedly approached Andrei Prepeliță for the coaching position, but negotiations fell through. Although Croitoru initially stayed on, the team’s continued poor form, including a four-game winless streak, eventually led to his exit.
FCU Craiova currently sits in 11th place in Liga 2, with just 14 points after 10 matches. While they are only two points away from 6th place, the final playoff spot currently held by Voluntari, the club’s goal of promotion to the Superliga seems increasingly out of reach.
Croitoru’s Short-Lived Tenure
Marius Croitoru was appointed head coach of FCU Craiova on May 28, with a clear objective of securing promotion to Romania’s top league, the Superliga. However, results have fallen well below expectations, and his time at the club has been marked by inconsistency. During his 10 games in charge this season, the team managed only 3 wins, 4 draws, and suffered 3 defeats.
This was not Croitoru’s first stint at the club. He previously managed FCU Craiova from June to October 2022, but that period ended in controversy, with Mititelu publicly criticizing him. Despite hopes for a more successful second spell, this chapter has also come to an unfortunate conclusion.
Croitoru will now be searching for new opportunities, while FCU Craiova is left to rebuild under new leadership as they attempt to revive their promotion campaign. With only weeks before the crucial playoff battle heats up, the club must act swiftly to get back on track.
