Former Dynamo Kyiv coach Mircea Lucescu told how he assesses his appointment as head coach of the Romanian national team.
"I did everything possible not to become at the helm of the Romanian national team - I wanted the national team to take someone from the young coaches. And I realize that this appointment is a big risk I'm taking. But I think that Romanian soccer deserves this risk.
First, I personally persuaded Edward Iordanescu not to leave the national team, then, after his refusal, I recommended the leadership of the Football Federation to persuade Gheorghe Hadji.
And only when there were no other options left, I realized that I have a commitment to Romanian soccer and to the fans and I must accept the national team. Now I need to try to apply all my experience gained over so many years. I am encouraged by the fact that I am 100% a product of Romanian soccer.
My envy? Envy is the national sport of Romania. So, of course, many people envy me. But I don't envy myself in the position I'm in now.
And I can say for sure: I didn't act like a coward. It was very easy for me to say no. I was having a very good time lately, I was enjoying the time I was spending with my great-grandson, I didn't need anything, I didn't need a career, I didn't need money, I didn't need anything at all. But I couldn't say no to the national team. I realized I couldn't say no. I had to make this decision, whatever impression I might leave of myself now, at the end of my career," Lucescu said while speaking to Romanian media.