A New Chapter for a Romanian Legend
Dorinel Munteanu, one of the most capped players in Romanian football history, has been officially presented as the new technical manager of CSM Resita, returning to the second division three years after guiding Oțelul Galati to promotion. The 56-year-old takes on a comprehensive role that extends well beyond first-team coaching, with authority over the club’s entire football operation including youth development from Under-15 through Under-19 levels.
Munteanu was introduced at a press conference alongside Resita mayor Ioan Popa and the club’s new president, Viorel Lolea. The former midfield general, who earned 134 caps for Romania and played at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, outlined an ambitious vision for a club that has struggled to produce talent in recent years.
‘Full Autonomy on the Technical Side’
“Dorinel will be the technical manager. He will coordinate the youth groups from U15, U17, and U19. On the technical side, he will coordinate the entire football activity with full autonomy and decision-making power,” Lolea announced during the presentation. “We need to announce that we will upset a lot of people, but a change of face is needed. We need to work on the youth center. We have not produced a single quality footballer in 20 years, not even one for Liga 1.”
Munteanu, who previously achieved his greatest coaching success by leading Oțelul Galati back to the top flight in 2023 after a three-year absence, acknowledged the scale of the challenge before him. His subsequent spells at Sepsi OSK and Gloria Buzau were less successful, and he now finds himself rebuilding his career at a historic club in need of stability.
A Project Built on Community Support
Mayor Ioan Popa confirmed that the Resita city council will contribute two million euros to the club’s budget, maintaining the same level of financial support as in 2024 and 2025. The county council is expected to contribute approximately 10 percent of the municipal funding. Munteanu emphasized that the financial commitment from local government and lead sponsor Filipescu were decisive factors in his decision to accept the role.
“The phone call from the president, the discussions with the mayor and Mr. Filipescu made me accept being part of this project,” Munteanu said. “It will not be easy, but I have experience. In the medium to long term, we want the promotion that the entire community desires. It is not an easy project, it is quite difficult. Everyone talks about money, about budgets. After my discussions with the administration, I accepted without hesitation. I love to work.”
First Tasks: Building a Squad from Scratch
The immediate priority is assembling a competitive squad. “Most of the players are free agents, they have left. I have contacted some, and I will contact others to build a squad with which we can start preparations,” Munteanu explained. The goal for the upcoming season is qualification for the Liga 2 playoff round, a platform from which the club hopes to push for promotion to the top flight.
Munteanu’s return to the second tier represents a significant commitment from a figure who remains one of Romanian football’s most respected personalities. If he can replicate the success he achieved at Oțelul Galati, CSM Resita could become the latest club to benefit from his extensive experience and tactical acumen.
