Volleyball coaching legend takes on new challenge after five-year retirement
Stelian Moculescu, a legendary volleyball coach, has made a surprising comeback to the coaching bench after five years of retirement. The successful coach, known for his tenure at VfB Friedrichshafen, has taken on a new challenge in his homeland of Romania. Moculescu has accepted a coaching position with Dinamo Bucharest, aiming to guide the team to the championship title in the upcoming 2023/2024 season.
Moculescu had retired from coaching in 2016 after an illustrious career that included 13 championship titles, 13 cup victories, and a remarkable Champions League triumph with VfB Friedrichshafen in 2007. However, just two years later, he returned to coaching with the Berlin Recycling Volleys, leading them to a German championship. “With this farewell, I can end my coaching career satisfactorily,” he had stated at the time. But now, in a change of heart, Moculescu has embraced the opportunity to coach Dinamo Bucharest.
The 73-year-old coach admits that he cannot pinpoint a specific reason for his decision, describing it as a gut feeling. In an interview with the “Schwäbische Zeitung,” Moculescu credits former player Adrian Gontariu, with whom he had worked closely during his time at Friedrichshafen, for persuading him to take on the coaching role at Dinamo Bucharest. Gontariu, currently the manager at the Romanian club, played a crucial role in convincing the coaching icon. Moculescu speaks highly of their relationship, stating, “Adrian and I always had a very good relationship; he’s a very good guy. I know that the environment is right. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have done it.”
With Moculescu’s vast experience and remarkable track record, Dinamo Bucharest can look forward to an exciting and promising season ahead.
