Daniel Pancu has officially left his role as Romania U21 head coach following the conclusion of his contract on July 1, 2025, without an extension from the Romanian Football Federation (FRF). Pancu led the team to qualification for Euro 2025, becoming only the fourth coach to achieve this feat after Pițurcă, Rădoi, and Mutu, but the team lost all their matches at the tournament, leading to criticism and his announced departure during the campaign[3][1]. Pancu expressed disappointment over the lack of official communication from FRF regarding his contract’s end and departure[2]. The FRF has publicly thanked him for his work with the 2002 generation and indicated that Costin Curelea, previously U20 coach, is the likely successor to lead Romania U21 into the next cycle[3][1].
This coaching transition marks a new chapter for Romania’s U21 team as they prepare to build on the experience gained at Euro 2025 under Pancu’s tenure.