“He said that his idol is Mirel Rădoi, but he didn't know that Rădoi was coming when he resigned!”. Why, in fact, did Mihai Pintilii leave FCSB
The month of March started with many tensions at FCSB. The reigning champion had no real chance at the title in the 2025–2026 season, and the team's objective changed. The most important thing at the moment is winning the play-out.
Mihai Pintilii Photo/Facebook
The first major decision was made by coach Elias Charalambous, who chose to resign suddenly, being replaced, in the meantime, by Mirel Rădoi. The coach believed his departure could shock the dressing room and help the players react positively at the end of the season.
Shortly after this change, Mihai Pintilii also decided to leave the staff. His departure is all the more significant, coming after about a decade at the red and blue club.
Pintilii performed as a player at FCSB until 2020, after four consecutive seasons in the red-blue shirt. After his retirement, he remained with the team as an assistant coach and, over the past few years, has also held the role of interim coach twice.
The reason behind Pintilii's resignation
Mihai Stoica stated that he would have liked Pintilii to continue with the team, but his decision was final. The official later explained the reasons that led the former midfielder to take this step.
“I told him, 'I think you were in a hurry'. Elias left, I really understood him when he said that the players present themselves in this way, he said: 'It's too much'. But I said to him: 'Pinti, I don't understand you, why didn't you come to say that you are making yourself available to the club?' “You don't have to wait, because you have about 3 more years until you get the Pro license”. With the A license, you can be a coach in League 2 or second in League 1, and I don't think it suits Pinti to go coach in League 2 or second in League 1. Maybe he will, I have no idea, but I think that's how it was…
He could help us, but it was his decision. We respect his decision. He could go to the second team. I didn't necessarily say to the second team, that you can go as a supervisor, that there is a 12th match at Popești Leordeni on Saturday and some players from the first team will go to play. You can be a binder. I remember Pinti's statement that his idol is Mirel Radoi, but he didn't know that Mirel Radoi would come when he resigned. Everyone decides their own fate!”said Meme Stoica, at Prima Sport.
