Former Romania international Dorinel Munteanu has become the new coach of Steaua Bucharest.
Munteanu takes over following Lacatus' resignation
Former Romania international Dorinel Munteanu has become the new coach of Steaua Bucharest.
The 40-year-old has replaced Marius Lacatus after he resigned last week following their UEFA Champions League defeat by French champions Lyon.
The Romanian outfit were leading 2-0 and 3-2 before eventually losing 5-3, a defeat which leaves them bottom of Group F with just one point.
Munteanu, who has coached local clubs CFR Cluj, Vaslui, Arges Pitesti and Universitatea Cluj, says he is looking forward to the challenge ahead.
Great potential
He said: "I decided to join Steaua as I'm convinced that the team has great potential.
"It's a big challenge for me and I'm honoured to have been chosen."
Club officials said Munteanu's contract with Steaua - who are fourth in the domestic championship - is for two years and is worth 180,000 euros ($224,000) per year.
He becomes the club's eighth coach in the past four years, after previous bosses including Victor Piturca, Cosmin Olaroiu, Oleg Protasov, Walter Zenga, Gheorghe Hagi left following rows with owner Gigi Becali, whom they accused of interfering with their work.
Munteanu's tenure could be just as short-lived if he does not produce results on the pitch after Becali was quoted by
Fanatik TV as saying: "I will intervene if Steaua has problems.
"If he (Munteanu) has (good) results, he remains (Steaua coach). If not, I'll fire him immediately."
