Gheorghe Hagi pledges to stay as Romania faces Sweden after three straight defeats

Pressure mounts after three consecutive defeats

Romania manager Gheorghe Hagi faces mounting scrutiny ahead of Monday's UEFA Nations League match against Sweden at Arena Națională in Bucharest. Hagi's return to the national team has started with three consecutive losses in Group B4. The campaign opened with a 2-1 defeat against Sweden at Strawberry Arena in Solna on 25 September, followed by a 2-4 home loss against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 28 September. On 2 October, Romania suffered a 6-0 defeat against Poland at Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw, where defender Radu Drăgușin received a red card in the 22nd minute. Poland scored through Robert Lewandowski in the 24th, 47th, and 86th minutes, alongside an own goal from Virgil Ghiță in the 49th minute and strikes from Piotr Zieliński and Jan Bednarek.

During Sunday's pre-match press conference, Hagi addressed questions regarding his future and whether he would step down from his position.

To be the coach of the national team is an honor. I like to win and I have to do this. When I feel that I cannot, just as I did as a player, I will step down, it is a matter of honor.

Rematch against group leaders Sweden

Romania will play Sweden on Monday, 5 October, at 21:45 local time in Bucharest for the fourth round of the tournament. Sweden currently leads Group B4 with seven points after the opening three rounds. Despite the difficult start, Hagi stressed the importance of taking three points on home soil and called on local supporters to act as the twelfth player. Sweden arrives in Bucharest with significant squad challenges of its own, missing seven regular starting players.

There are three points at stake, we know they are a very good team, but we are playing at home and it is important to win. I hope the fans will be the 12th player and that we will win.

Hagi also reflected on the tactical disparity caused by early disciplinary issues against Poland, expressing hope that his team can maintain a full lineup throughout the match.

Disciplinary bans and injury crisis deplete the squad

The Romanian squad enters Monday's fixture without several key players due to suspensions and physical setbacks. Defenders Radu Drăgușin and Virgil Ghiță left the national team training camp on Saturday, 3 October. Drăgușin serves a suspension following his direct dismissal in Warsaw, while Ghiță is unavailable after accumulating two yellow cards during the previous fixtures.

The attacking department faces equally severe shortages for the upcoming fixture. Forward Daniel Bîrligea sustained a muscular injury during the match against Poland and left the training camp following medical examinations on Sunday. Bîrligea was one of three forwards originally named by Hagi for the international window. Denis Drăguș had already been ruled out upon arrival due to a pre-existing injury, while Louis Munteanu suffered an injury during the opening fixture in Solna. Following the match against Sweden, Romania will conclude its Group B4 campaign with a home match against Poland and an away fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina.