Legendary coach who clashed with Pep Guardiola and built Shakhtar into a powerhouse dies at 80

Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu has died at the age of 80, just days after stepping down as national team manager following a double heart attack suffered hours after leaving the role. “The Bucharest University Emergency Hospital announces that today, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the death of Mr. Mircea Lucescu was declared,” read the official statement.

Although doctors initially stabilized him, his condition turned critical after a second heart attack on Friday. On Sunday morning, the hospital confirmed his health had worsened, leading to his transfer to intensive care overnight. Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete later described his condition as “critical.” Lucescu was subsequently placed in an induced coma. By Sunday evening, his children, including PAOK head coach Razvan Lucescu, had arrived at the hospital to say their final goodbyes.

One of the greatest coaches ever

Lucescu played for Dinamo Bucharest and earned 64 caps for Romania, including an appearance at the 1970 World Cup. His reputation, however, was forged on the sidelines. Widely regarded as one of Romania’s greatest-ever coaches, he managed across Europe, including spells in Italy, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia.

He made history at Shakhtar Donetsk, where he spent 12 years, winning eight league titles, seven domestic cups and the UEFA Cup. One of his most memorable moments came after a match against Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, when he burst into Guardiola’s press conference shouting “Shame” over a controversial goal. Despite that clash, the two later developed a relationship built on mutual respect.

Lucescu also coached Inter Milan during Ronaldo’s time at the club, where the two clashed over his demanding personality. In Turkey, he achieved further success with Galatasaray, winning the UEFA Super Cup in 2000 against Real Madrid in Monaco, and later claimed league titles with both Galatasaray and Besiktas. That success led to a stint as Turkey’s national team coach, though without major results.

His final role was with Romania, returning to lead his country 38 years after his first spell. Despite reaching the World Cup playoff, a semifinal defeat to Turkey ended their hopes of qualifying. His departure was announced shortly afterward, followed hours later by the heart attack that has now claimed the life of a towering figure in Romanian soccer.

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