Calls for Iordanescu’s resignation after draw in Armenia

.c The Associated Press

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) – Amid calls for the resignation of Romania’s
soccer coach after a humiliating draw against Armenia, soccer
federation boss Mircea Sandu said Thursday he also was considering
alternatives to replace Anghel Iordanescu.

Romania, one of the favorites in World Cup qualifying Group 1, drew
1-1 Wednesday in Yerevan, losing critical points in a tight battle for
supremacy with the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Finland.

Romania is currently second in the group, behind the Netherlands.

In Armenia, Romania missed 10 of its top players and several regular
substitutes due to injuries or suspensions.

Fans met the team at the airport Wednesday night, calling for the
coach’s resignation. The calls were echoed in the media and by sports
celebrities, who criticized Iordanescu’s selection of players.

Daily newspaper Ziua wrote that a “sorry coach and a team of losers
shamed us in Yerevan”.

A front page headline in sports newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor said
“Dead,” while another sports newspaper, Pro Sport, wrote “God
punished you!” referring to Iordanescu’s well-known mysticism. The
coach is known for being extremely superstitious and bringing crosses
to games.

Iordanescu told the media Wednesday night that he will stay on as
national team coach.

But on Thursday, the two sports newspapers reported on their Web sites
that Iordanescu is stepping down. The reports cited sources in the
Romanian federation.

The soccer federation has not confirmed the resignation, but issued a
statement saying its executive committee has scheduled a meeting with
the coach for Sunday, when “Iordanescu will present the activity of
the technical staff”.

“Until Sunday, there will be no comment on the situation,” the
statement added.

11/18/04 11:43 EST

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress