Moldova's national team has new head coach: Lilian Popescu replaces Serghei Clescenco

The Moldovan Football Federation (FMF) today announced the appointment of Lilian Popescu as the head coach of Moldova's national team. The decision comes after Serghei Clescenco submitted his resignation, just a few days following the team's heaviest defeat in history – 1-11 against Norway at the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

“For me personally, it is a great honor and at the same time, a great responsibility, to take the helm of the national team. I know that the national team is going through a difficult period, but I am sure that only together – through discipline, maximum dedication, and joint effort – we can change things for the better. I come with ambition and responsibility to create a united and competitive team that will proudly represent Moldova. Come on, Moldova!” the new head coach told www.fmf.md.

Popescu, originating from the village of Fălești Noi, Fălești district, was born on November 15, 1973. He debuted as a player at Cristalul Fălești, later playing for FC Agro Chisinau, Nistru Otaci, Sheriff Tiraspol, Olimpia Bălți, and Ekibastuzeț in Kazakhstan. A two-time Moldovan Cup winner, he also earned six caps for the senior team.

His greatest achievements, however, have been as a coach. Four times named “Best Moldovan Coach of the Year” (2014, 2018, 2020, 2022), Popescu has led such teams as Olimpia Bălți, FC Costuleni, Veris, FC Tiraspol, Sheriff, Petrocub, and FC Zimbru. With Petrocub, he won the Moldovan Cup in 2020 and qualified the team from Hâncești for European competitions. In 2025, he took over Moldova's U19 team, with which he won an international tournament.

So far, Moldova's national team has had 15 head coaches, including 7 foreigners, among them Gabi Balint and Roberto Bordin.

Lilian Popescu will officially debut on as head coach of the Moldova's national football team on October 9, in a friendly match against Romania, scheduled at the Bucharest-based National Arena.