Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Saturday, 01 November 2025, 17:34 / Updated on Saturday, 01 November 2025 17:35
FC Botosani is the surprise leader in the Superliga, and the credit also belongs to coach Leo Grozavu (58 years old), who built a team capable of entering the play-offs, after avoiding relegation to the limit last season. Former player at Dinamo in the period 1992-1998, Grozavu was close to becoming the coach of the “dogs” 3 years ago.
The announcement was made by Răzvan Zăvăleanuthe representative of the receiver who contributed to the insolvency of the red and white club.
He revealed that he held a round of talks with Greatthe technician was tempted by the proposal, but the club's financial situation prevented him from taking the job.
Ovidiu Burcă came instead, the one who achieved an unexpected promotion in 2023, following the draw with FC Argeș.
Leo Grozavu was one step away from becoming Dinamo's coach after the 2022 relegation: “I think it's in the hearts of the fans”
A former central defender, Grozavu wore Dinamo's shirt 105 times, during which he scored 5 goals. With him at the helm, Botoșani is the leader in the Superliga, with 31 points after 14 matches, and it is hard to believe that he can miss the play-off qualification.
“When I started playing football, the second coach I worked with at Cluj University came from Zalău. He was Leo Grozavu. He moved to Cluj in the meantime, we have a relationship of friendship.
I can tell you that, from second one, I saw an extremely concerned, extremely serious coach, and I am not surprised by anything that is happening at Botoșani.
He hasn't had any opportunities so far. Look, they still work within a certain framework anyway. I don't think he has a lot going on in terms of infrastructure, but he still manages to manage a group to be there.
It doesn't surprise me at all, given his professional qualities, where he ended up. The team is surprising, not the coach. I think that the man sanctifies the place, the fact that Leo Grozavu is there is extremely important.
I think it is in the hearts of Dynamo supporters. I also spoke to him at the time, it's true. He was tempted (no – to come to Dinamo)but also worried, and I understood him, because it was an extremely difficult period in the life of this club.
No one really wants to be associated with failures, and unfortunately nothing came of our discussion then. But I can confirm that he would still be tempted to come to Dinamo“, said Răzvan Zăvăleanu, on Radio Dinamo 1948.
Awesome Leo. PHOTO: Imago Images
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Dinamo had two coaches in the last 3 years: Ovidiu Burcă and Zeljko Kopic.
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The “Dogs” are in 4th place in the Superliga, with 27 points after 15 rounds.
The up-to-date ranking from the Superliga
