Valerică Găman, a former stalwart of Universitatea Craiova, has been appointed as the director of football at the club’s reserve team, marking a new chapter in his post-playing career.
The 37-year-old centre-back, who retired in the summer of 2025, has completed a course in director of football organized by the Romanian Football Federation. This development comes as a natural progression for Găman, who has a deep understanding of the club’s culture and history, having played for Universitatea Craiova between 2021 and 2023.
Găman’s Appointment: A Strategic Move for the Club
Găman’s appointment as director of football at Universitatea Craiova 2 is seen as a strategic move by the club to build a strong foundation for the future. The reserve team, which has been performing well in recent seasons, occupies a crucial position in the club’s development structure. Last season, they finished third in the play-offs, securing promotion to the top tier of the third division, after winning the series 5 with 49 points in 20 matches.
Găman’s Connection to the Club
Găman’s connection to Universitatea Craiova runs deep. He began his career at the club’s youth academy, FC U Craiova, which was founded by Adrian Mititelu. Although the club faced financial difficulties and was eventually disbanded, Găman’s experience and knowledge of the club’s history make him an ideal candidate for this role.
As director of football, Găman will be responsible for identifying and developing young talent, creating a robust scouting network, and implementing a comprehensive football development strategy. His appointment is a testament to the club’s commitment to investing in its youth development program.
In an era where youth development and scouting are becoming increasingly important, Găman’s appointment is a significant move for Universitatea Craiova. The club’s decision to install a former player in a key role demonstrates a commitment to building a strong footballing culture, one that values experience, knowledge, and a deep understanding of the club’s history.
As Găman embarks on this new chapter in his career, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how he navigates this new role. Will he be able to replicate the success of his playing days, and help the club’s reserve team continue to thrive?
The appointment of Găman as director of football at Universitatea Craiova 2 is a bold move that could have far-reaching consequences for the club’s future.