Qualifiers start next week Euro 2024 which will take place in Germany. One of the national teams that, in addition to Greece, will continue its presence in this Romania. The last time they managed to reach the final phase was in 2016, and as far as the World Cup is concerned, they have not qualified since 1998. The team has been on a downward path for years, but the man who led it high in the past seems to be able to create a promising future for it.

George Hadji is the greatest player the country has produced. “Carpathian Maradona”, as he was called by the press and the world, can easily be included in the list of the best football players of all time. His greatest moment with his national team was the 1994 World Cup when he led them to the quarter-finals where they were eliminated by Sweden on penalties.

Despite the bitterness, at home the slogan “Hagi for president” was written on many walls, and even after two years of elections in 1996, his name appeared on many ballots, receiving more votes than even many other official candidates.

He kicked the ball for 29 years and had all the characteristics of an old ten-year-old. Delicate, effective, but also “dirty” when necessary. After all, he was a Balkan and he laughed in earnest. Among other things, he managed to play for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, ​​as well as lead Galatasaray to the UEFA Cup and European Super Cup in 2000. He finished fourth in the 1994 Ballon d’Or and was included by Pelé in the list of the 125 greatest living players in the world in 2004.

With the end of his football career, he decided to become a manager and the Romania national team was his first job, but the start was not as expected and the landing was hard, which caused much of the brilliance that haunted him to disappear. After the national team, he went to Turkey (Galata and Bursaspor), while also sitting on the Steaua bench, partly confirming the rule that very large players should not become coaches of the same height.

In 2009, he made the important decision to return to his hometown of Constanta on the Black Sea coast with bold ambitions that come with great risks. He decided to shape the football future of his country himself, starting from scratch to create a football academy. That he will mold tomorrow’s players, put them in their own logic and shoes, and then they will form the basis for a new Romania. He pocketed many of the millions he managed to raise as a player and manager, and also found other “teammates” who wanted to support his work. The total investment amounted to more than 10 million euros.

In the first year, more than 200 children from all over Romania passed through its doors, and its staff numbers about 100 people. At the same time, he also took on Vitorul Constanța, who then competed in the Romanian 3rd division, so that the children of the academy could compete. The first miracle was not long in coming. The team has consistently climbed the categories and managed to win the Romanian Championship in 2017, leaving behind all the traditionally great powers, and in 2019 they also won the Cup. The next step was a merger in 2021 with Farul Constanta, where Hadji took his first football steps at the age of 10.

His investment has been more than paid back as many players have been transferred to overseas clubs and Farul, although one of the lowest average age teams in Europe, is currently leading the league in the race. Nevertheless, Hadji did not hesitate to give a player who was not yet fifteen years old the opportunity to play in the big leagues. This is Alexandru Stojan, who was 14 years and 10 months old when he made his debut against Craiova.

The teenagers that Hadji raised became men and went their own way to clubs such as Ajax, Fiorentina, Brighton and Rangers, where his son Janis also plays, and almost half of the Romanian national team came through Hadji’s team. The percentages among small-numbered citizens are even more impressive.

What he achieved, he also wrote in the book: “In it I laid out everything about my tactics, my philosophy, about how I see football. You have to start with the basics, do the simple things first and then move on to the more complex step by step. My motto is: I was born to win, not just to exist. So I try to apply that to everything I do and I want to inspire those I work with to do the same,” says Hadji, adding, “Cruyff is my inspiration. The way he did it was just amazing. I have learned so much from him through his methods and ideas.” Hadji’s academy aims to promote at least two players to the first team each season. “I was lucky to have good teachers who accelerated my progress. This is what I want to do myself,” he adds.

The Academy is located near Constanta, a city of about 300,000 people located on the Black Sea coast. As the official website says: “Hadji expresses his gratitude to all those who trusted him and supported him from the first steps in football until his retirement.” It includes competitive and training grounds (eight in number, with natural and artificial turf), building buildings with specific functions, while, as emphasized, the main goal of the Academy is the initiation, education, development and preparation of children and youth for admission to higher educational establishments. level, both nationally and internationally. At the same time, other goals of the Academy are the implementation of actions aimed at society, improving the lives of children through football and promoting sports as a healthy lifestyle. About 250 athletes participate in the Academy, divided into 13 age categories, from 6 to 19 years old. Small children under the age of 12 come from the province of Constanta, and after 13 also from other parts of Romania, where they live in institutions where, in addition to living and studying, they also study at school. .

“I returned to Constanta because I was born there,” says Hadji. “This is my place. I work to create champions. I want to create world champions. I believe in it. I believe in my work and the talent of the Romanian players. You have to set the biggest goals for yourself and believe tirelessly. Otherwise you won’t get much done.”

Whether the children of Dracula achieve the goal of reaching the final phase of Euro 2024 can be seen on the field and, of course, in the applause …