{{Short description|Romanian footballer and manager}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}} {{Infobox football biography |name = Victor Pițurcă |image = Generația de Aur vs Barcelona Legends (0-2) 2018 Sports Festival - meciul amintirilor. (52810598464) (cropped).jpg |upright = 0.9 |caption = Pițurcă in June 2018. |fullname = <!-- if different --> |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1956|5|8|df=y}} |birth_place = Orodel, Romania |height = 1.85 m |currentclub = |position = Striker |youthclubs1 = Universitatea Craiova |youthyears1 = 1964–1974 |years1 = 1974–1977 |years2 = 1974–1975 |years3 = 1977–1979 |years4 = 1979–1983 |years5 = 1983–1989 |years6 = 1989–1990 |clubs1 = Universitatea Craiova |clubs2 = → Dinamo Slatina (loan) |clubs3 = Pandurii Târgu Jiu |clubs4 = Olt Scornicești |clubs5 = Steaua București |clubs6 = Lens |caps1 = 8 |caps2 = |caps3 = |caps4 = 118 |caps5 = 175 |caps6 = 28 |goals1 = 0 |goals2 = |goals3 = |goals4 = 28 |goals5 = 137 |goals6 = 4 |totalcaps = 329 |totalgoals = 169 |nationalyears1 = 1985–1987 |nationalteam1 = Romania |nationalcaps1 = 13 |nationalgoals1 = 6 |manageryears1 = 1991–1992 |manageryears2 = 1992 |manageryears3 = 1994–1995 |manageryears4 = 1996–1998 |manageryears5 = 1998–1999 |manageryears6 = 2000–2002 |manageryears7 = 2002–2004 |manageryears8 = 2004–2009 |manageryears9 = 2010 |manageryears10 = 2010 |manageryears11 = 2011–2014 |manageryears12 = 2014–2015 |manageryears13 = 2015–2016 |manageryears14 = 2019–2020 |managerclubs1 = Steaua București (assistant) |managerclubs2 = Steaua București |managerclubs3 = FC Universitatea Craiova |managerclubs4 = Romania U21 |managerclubs5 = Romania |managerclubs6 = Steaua București |managerclubs7 = Steaua București |managerclubs8 = Romania |managerclubs9 = Steaua București |managerclubs10 = FC Universitatea Craiova |managerclubs11 = Romania |managerclubs12 = Al-Ittihad |managerclubs13 = Al-Ittihad |managerclubs14 = Universitatea Craiova
}} '''Victor Pițurcă''' ({{IPA|ro|ˈviktor piˈt͡surkə}}; born 8 May 1956) is a Romanian professional football manager and former player.
==Club career== Pițurcă was born on 8 May 1956 in Orodel, Dolj County, Romania and began playing junior-level football at Universitatea Craiova.<ref name=RS>{{RomanianSoccer|1595/victor-piturca}}</ref><ref name=fanatik>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/piturca-62-de-ani-intre-inger-la-steaua-si-satana-la-general-video-18351057 | title=Pițurcă: 62 de ani între înger, la Steaua, și Satana, la… general! Video| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Pițurcă: 62 years between the angel, at Steaua, and Satan, in... general! Video| date=8 May 2018 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=fanatik2>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/tags/victor-piturca | title=Victor Pițurcă | publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=Romanian | date=| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=agerpres>{{cite web | url=https://www.agerpres.ro/documentare/2021/05/08/o-personalitate-pe-zi-victor-piturca-fost-fotbalist-si-antrenor-al-echipei-nationale-a-romaniei--709084 | title=O PERSONALITATE PE ZI: Victor Pițurcă, fost fotbalist şi antrenor al echipei naţionale a României | publisher=Agerpres.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=A PERSONALITY PER DAY: Victor Pițurcă, former footballer and coach of the Romanian national team| date=8 May 2021 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=GDS>{{cite web | url=https://www.gds.ro/Sport/2010-05-08/Victor-Piturca-la-Craiova/?amp | title=Victor Pițurcă, la Craiova | publisher=Gds.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Victor Pițurcă, at Craiova| date=8 May 2010 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> He started his senior career in 1974, when he was loaned for one year to Dinamo Slatina in Divizia B.<ref name=RS/><ref name=fanatik/><ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=GDS/> When he returned to "U" Craiova, coach Constantin Cernăianu gave him his Divizia A debut on 19 November 1975 in a 4–0 home win over Argeș Pitești.<ref name=RS/><ref name=fanatik/> However, during his two seasons spent at Craiova, he played rarely, so he went again in Divizia B, this time at Pandurii Târgu Jiu.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=GDS/> There, in his first season he worked with coach Constantin Oțet and netted over half of the total 37 goals scored by the team, but the club was relegated to Divizia C.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=adevarul>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/stiri-locale/craiova/victor-piturca-luat-de-la-pandurii-pe-o-plasa-de-1209434.html| title=Victor Pițurcă, luat de la Pandurii pe o plasă de bani | publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Victor Pițurcă, taken from Pandurii for a net of a money | date=10 September 2010 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=gorj>{{cite web | url=https://www.gorjonline.ro/legatura-stransa-pe-care-victor-piturca-o-are-cu-municipiul-targu-jiu/| title=Legătura strânsă pe care Victor Pițurcă o are cu municipiul Târgu Jiu| publisher=Gorjonline.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The close connection that Victor Pițurcă has with the municipality of Târgu Jiu | date=30 January 2023| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> In the 1978–79 season, Pițurcă scored 46 goals of Pandurii's total of 98, helping them gain promotion back to Divizia B after one year.<ref name=GDS/><ref name=adevarul/><ref name=gorj/> In 1979, he went back to Divizia A football, as he joined Olt Scornicești, making regular appearances during his four-years spell.<ref name=RS/><ref name=fanatik/><ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=GDS/>
In July 1983, Steaua București, coached by Cernăianu, wanted him, but his Scornicești coach, Florin Halagian, tried to retain him until Emerich Jenei's insistence secured the transfer.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=fanatik2/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/victor-piturca-se-implica-intr-o-dilema-istorica-650293.html | title=Victor Pițurcă se implică într-o dilemă istorică:"Ienei a făcut Steaua '86!" + mesaj clar pentru Becali:"Ține 4-5 ani jucătorii" | publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Victor Pițurcă gets involved in a historical dilemma: "Ienei made Steaua '86!" + clear message for Becali: "Players last 4-5 years"| date=25 December 2021| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> In his first season, he did not win any trophies, but afterwards he helped the team conquer five league titles in a row.<ref name=RS/><ref name=fanatik/><ref name=agerpres/> First was The Double in the 1984–85 season when Pițurcă was the second top-scorer of the league, having only one goal behind Sportul Studențesc's Gheorghe Hagi, as he scored 19 goals in the 32 matches coaches Halagian and Jenei used him.<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/craiova-viitorul-victor-piturca-doi-ani-in-spatele-lui-gica-hagi-cum-au-aratat-duelurile-pentru-titul-de-golgeter-dintre-cei-doi-578755.html| title=CRAIOVA - VIITORUL. Victor Pițurcă, doi ani în spatele lui Gică Hagi! Cum au arătat duelurile pentru titul de golgeter dintre cei doi| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=CRAIOVA - THE FUTURE. Victor Pițurcă, two years behind Gică Hagi! How the duels for the top scorer title between the two looked| date=30 September 2019 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=top>{{cite web | url=https://www.ultimafaza.ro/top-3-golgheterii-campionatului-romaniei-din-anii-80/| title=TOP 3 – Golgheterii campionatului Romaniei din Anii '80| publisher=Ultimafaza.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=TOP 3 – Top scorers of the Romanian championship in the 80s| date= 10 February 2021| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=RS2>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/menu_items/champions.shtml|title=Romania National Champions |publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=RS3>{{cite web |url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/menu_items/topscorers.shtml |title=Top Scorers |publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro |access-date=13 May 2021 |language=Romanian}}</ref> He also scored the decisive goal of the 2–1 victory in the Cupa României final over his former team, Universitatea Craiova.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/romanian_cup/1984_1985.shtml|title=Romanian Cup – Season 1984–1985|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> In the following season, he was again the league's second top-scorer, this time with two goals behind Hagi, having scored 29 in the 34 appearances given to him by Jenei.<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP/><ref name=top/><ref name=RS2/><ref name=RS3/> The coach also used him in all nine games in the historical European Cup campaign in which Pițurcă was the team's top-scorer, netting five times in all the home matches, one against each of Vejle, Budapest Honvéd and Kuusysi Lahti and a brace in the 3–0 win in the semifinals against Anderlecht.<ref name=RS/><ref name=fanatik/><ref name=GDS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://tikitaka.ro/steaua-86-drumul-spre-sevilla/| title=Steaua 86: Drumul spre Sevilla| date=16 April 2020| publisher=Tikitaka.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Steaua 86: The road to Seville | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> He then played as a starter until the 112th minute of extra time when he was replaced with Marin Radu in the eventual 2–0 victory after the penalty shoot-out in the final against Barcelona.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/ideile-gazetei/istoria-la-raport-ep-4-steaua-barcelona-posesie-662790.html | title=Episodul 4: Steaua a avut 4-0 la posesie contra Barcelonei, echipa care a inventat tiki-taka!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Episode 4: Steaua had 4-0 possession against Barcelona, the team that invented tiki-taka!| date=6 May 2022 | access-date=26 September 2025}}</ref> Pițurcă started the 1986–87 season by playing all the minutes in the 1–0 win over Dynamo Kyiv in the European Super Cup and in the loss in the Intercontinental Cup with the same score against River Plate.<ref name=RS/><ref name=fanatik/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=GDS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/35-de-ani-de-la-supercupa-europei-steaua-655791.html| title=35 de ani de la Supercupa Europei cucerită de Steaua în fața lui Dinamo Kiev. Legendele steliste, cu gândul la situația din Ucraina:"E dureros!"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=35 years since the European Supercup won by Steaua against Dinamo Kyiv. Star legends, thinking about the situation in Ukraine:"It's painful!"| date=24 February 2022 | access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/superreportaje/trofeu-refuzat-cum-a-pierdut-steaua-finala-cupei-intercontinentale-din-decembrie-86-245509.html| title=Trofeu refuzat! Cum a pierdut Steaua finala Cupei Intercontinentale din decembrie '86| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Trophy refused! How Steaua lost the final of the Intercontinental Cup in December '86| date=28 June 2011 | access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/33-de-ani-de-la-river-plate-steaua-1-0-mafia-pariurilor-a-incercat-sa-trucheze-finala-cupei-intercontinentale-din-1986-belodedici-a-ratat-o-masina-toyota-video-19128772| title=33 de ani de la River Plate – Steaua 1-0! Mafia pariurilor a încercat să trucheze finala Cupei Intercontinentale din 1986 + Belodedici a ratat o maşină Toyota! Video| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=33 years since River Plate – Steaua 1-0! The betting mafia tried to rig the final of the 1986 Intercontinental Cup + Belodedici missed a Toyota car! Video| date=14 December 2019 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> He finished the season by winning another Double with Steaua, as coaches Jenei and Anghel Iordănescu gave him 31 league appearances in which he scored 22 goals, being surpassed only by Dinamo București's controversial European Golden Shoe winner, Rodion Cămătaru, who netted double.<ref name=RS/><ref name=fanatik/><ref name=top/><ref name=RS2/><ref name=RS3/> He also appeared the full 90 minutes in the 1–0 victory in the Cupa României final over Dinamo.<ref name=RS/><ref name=fanatik/><ref name=agerpres/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/romanian_cup/1986_1987.shtml|title=Romanian Cup – Season 1986–1987|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> In the next season, Pițurcă was used by Iordănescu in 33 league games in which he scored 34 goals, being the top-scorer of the championship and European Bronze Boot as only Tanju Çolak (39) and John Eriksen (36) scored more.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=top/><ref name=RS2/><ref name=RS3/> He made another continental performance with the team as they reached the semi-finals of the European Cup where they lost to Benfica, Pițurcă contributing with one goal scored against Rangers in the eight matches played.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://tikitaka.ro/meciuri-memorabile-steaua-benfica-1988/| title=Meciuri memorabile: Steaua – Benfica, semifinalele Cupei Campionilor, 1987/88| date=18 July 2017| publisher=Tikitaka.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Memorable matches: Steaua - Benfica, semi-finals of the Champions Cup, 1987/88 | access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/meciul-de-aur-al-generatiei-de-la-sevilla-cum-a-ratat-steaua-finala-suprema-cu-real-madrid-gica-popescu.html| title=Meciul DE AUR al generatiei de la Sevilla! Cum a ratat Steaua finala SUPREMA cu Real Madrid. Gica Popescu a ucis visul| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The GOLDEN match of the generation from Sevilla! How Steaua missed the SUPREMA final with Real Madrid. Gica Popescu killed the dream| date=6 April 2011| access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe22548/victor-piturca/co19/uefa-champions-league/se3018/1987-1988/club-matches/|title=Victor Pițurcă. Champions League 1987/1988|date=16 October 2014 |access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> In his last season spent with ''The Military Men'', the team won another Double, Iordănescu using him in 22 league matches, managing to score 23 goals.<ref name=RS/><ref name=fanatik/><ref name=RS2/><ref name=RS3/> He also played the whole game in another 1–0 victory in the Cupa României final over rivals Dinamo.<ref name=RS/><ref name=fanatik/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/romanian_cup/1988_1989.shtml|title=Romanian Cup – Season 1988–1989|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> Pițurcă delivered another European performance with the club, playing seven games in the European Cup campaign.<ref name=RS/> He scored one goal in the semi-finals against Galatasaray, a controversial incident where goalkeeper Zoran Simović kicked the ball into the back of his head, leading to it entering the goalpost, but the referee wrongfully disallowed it.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/piturca-m-am-trezit-cu-mingea-in-ceafa-2918906| title=Pițurcă:"M-am trezit cu mingea în ceafă!"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Pițurcă: "I woke up with the ball in the back of my head!"| date=12 August 2008 | access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/video-gol-cu-ceafa-marcat-de-victor-piturca-in-1471498.html| title=Gol cu ceafa marcat de Victor Pițurcă în meciul Galatasaray - Steaua| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Goal with the back of the head scored by Victor Pițurcă in the match Galatasaray - Steaua| date=9 September 2013 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> He then played the entire match in the 4–0 loss to AC Milan in the final.<ref name=agerpres/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/ideile-gazetei/istoria-la-raport-steaua-ac-milan-liga-campionilor-finala-664540.html| title=Episodul 5: Finala Cupei Campionilor 1989. Steaua a driblat mai mult la 0-4 cu AC Milan, dar a făcut doar 10 faulturi și a fost ucisă pe contraatac!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Episode 5: Champions Cup Final 1989. The star dribbled more at 0-4 with AC Milan, but only committed 10 fouls and was killed on the counter-attack!| date=24 May 2022| access-date=26 September 2025}}</ref> During these years, Pițurcă netted five goals in the derby against Dinamo which helped the club earn three victories, two in the league and one in the Cupa României respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/stiri/68373/dinamo-bucuresti-in-1985-86.htm|title=Dinamo Bucuresti in 1985–86|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=26 September 2025}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/stiri/68376/dinamo-bucuresti-in-1986-87-gheata-de-aur-mai-slaba-decat-17-nentori-tirana.htm|title=Dinamo Bucuresti in 1986–87|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=26 September 2025}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.prosport.ro/cupa-romaniei/dinamo-fcsb-in-cupa-romaniei-bilantul-all-time-cele-mai-clare-victorii-cei-mai-buni-marcatori-si-meciul-cu-cele-mai-multe-goluri-20019474|title=Dinamo – FCSB, în Cupa României! Bilanțul all-time, cele mai clare victorii, cei mai buni marcatori și meciul cu cele mai multe goluri|publisher=Prosport.ro|trans-title=Dinamo – FCSB, in the Romanian Cup! The all-time record, the clearest victories, the best scorers and the match with the most goals|date=30 October 2024|access-date=26 September 2025}}</ref> His last Divizia A game took place on 17 June 1989 in Steaua's 4–1 home win over Flacăra Moreni, with him scoring a goal, totaling 301 appearances with 65 goals in the competition and 29 matches with six goals in European competitions.<ref name=RS/><ref name=fanatik/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=GDS/>
After he won the European Cup in 1986, Pițurcă had an offer to play for Anderlecht, but was not allowed to go there by the communist regime.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/victor-piturca-a-dezvaluit-ce-mare-echipa-l-a-ofertat-dupa-ce-a-castigat-cce-cu-steaua-aveau-echipa-incredibila-1612321| title=Victor Pițurcă a dezvăluit ce mare echipă l-a ofertat după ce a câștigat CCE cu Steaua. "Aveau echipă incredibilă!"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Victor Pițurcă revealed what great team offered him after winning the CCE with Steaua. "They had an incredible team!"| date=5 April 2022 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> However, in 1989 with the help of Valentin Ceaușescu, he and teammate Tudorel Stoica were allowed to transfer at Lens in French Division 2, where after one season, Pițurcă ended his playing career.<ref name=RS/><ref name=fanatik/><ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=agerpres/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/cele-trei-transferuri-pe-care-steaua-le-a-facut-cu-ajutorul-lui-valentin-ceausescu-el-le-a-aprobat-cum-a-ratat-victor-piturca-plecarea-la-anderlecht-pe-bani-foarte-multi-19436816| title=Cele trei transferuri pe care Steaua le-a făcut cu ajutorul lui Valentin Ceaușescu: "El le-a aprobat!". Cum a ratat Victor Pițurcă plecarea la Anderlecht pe bani foarte mulți| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The three transfers that Steaua made with the help of Valentin Ceaușescu: "He approved them!". How Victor Pițurcă missed going to Anderlecht for a lot of money| date=5 April 2022 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref>
On 25 March 2008, he was decorated by the president of Romania, Traian Băsescu for the winning of the 1985–86 European Cup with Ordinul "Meritul Sportiv" — (The Order "The Sportive Merit") class II.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/Monitorul_Oficial_al_Rom%C3%A2niei._Partea_I_2008-03-28%2C_nr._241.pdf |title=DECRET privind conferirea Ordinului și Medaliei Meritul Sportiv |publisher=Monitorul Oficial al României Nr. 241 |date=28 March 2008 |page=3 |access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref>
==International career== Pițurcă played 13 games and scored six goals for Romania, making his debut on 27 March 1985 under coach Mircea Lucescu in a 0–0 friendly draw against Poland.<ref name=EU>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=16734|title=Victor Pițurcă player profile|publisher=European Football|access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=8489|title=Romania 0-0 Poland|publisher=European Football|access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> After playing two matches in the 1986 World Cup qualifiers, he scored his first two goals for the national team in a 3–1 friendly win over Norway.<ref name=EU/> He netted another brace in a 4–2 friendly victory against Israel.<ref name=EU/> Subsequently, he made five appearances during the Euro 1988 qualifiers where he scored two goals in two victories over Albania and Spain.<ref name=EU/> He made his last appearance for Romania on 18 November 1987 in a 0–0 draw against Austria.<ref name=EU/>
===International stats=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name=EU /> |- !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="3"|Romania |1985||3||0 |- |1986||4||4 |- |1987||6||2 |- !colspan="2"|Total!!13!!6 |}
:''Scores and results list Romania's goal tally first. "Score" column indicates the score after each Victor Pițurcă goal.''<ref name=EU/> <!---Repeat entries indicate more than one goal in a single game---> {| class="wikitable" ! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition |- | 1 || rowspan="2"| 4 June 1986 || rowspan="2"| Stadionul 23 August, Bucharest, Romania || rowspan="2"| {{Fb|Norway}}|| '''1'''–0 || rowspan="2" | 3–1 || rowspan="2" | Friendly |- | 2 || '''2'''–0 |- | 3 || rowspan="2"| 8 October 1986 || rowspan="2"| Ramat Gan Stadium, Israel || rowspan="2"| {{Fb|Israel}}|| '''1'''–0 || rowspan="2" | 4–2 || rowspan="2" | Friendly |- | 4 || '''4'''–1 |- | 5 || 25 March 1987 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{Fb|Albania|1946}} || '''1'''–0 || 5–1 || Euro 1988 qualifiers |- | 6 || 29 April 1987 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{Fb|Spain}} || '''1'''–0 || 3–1 || Euro 1988 qualifiers |}
==Managerial career== Pițurcă's first coaching experience was working as an assistant of Emerich Jenei at Steaua București.<ref name=agerpres/> Shortly afterwards, he became the team's head coach in March 1992, winning on his debut with 3–0 against rivals Rapid București.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=GDS/><ref name=sport>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/piturca-nu-a-pierdut-niciun-meci-de-debut-cum-pregateste-meciul-cu-u-cluj.html| title=Piturca nu a pierdut niciodata la debut! Cum pregateste meciul cu U Cluj| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Piturca never lost on debut! How he prepares the match with U Cluj| date=20 July 2010 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> He finished the season in second place and won the Cupa României after the penalty shoot-out victory in the final against Politehnica Timișoara.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=GDS/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/romanian_cup/1991_1992.shtml|title=Romanian Cup – Season 1991–1992|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> His following coaching spell began in 1994 at Universitatea Craiova where he finished second in the 1994–95 season.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=GDS/><ref name=mediafax>{{cite web | url=https://www.mediafax.ro/sport/victor-piturca-revine-la-nationala-dupa-doua-esecuri-ca-antrenor-al-unor-echipe-de-club-8341804| title=Victor Pițurcă revine la națională după două eșecuri ca antrenor al unor echipe de club| publisher=Mediafax.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Victor Pițurcă returns to the national team after two failures as a coach of some club teams| date=14 June 2011| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref>
In 1996, Pițurcă was named coach of Romania's under-21 side, leading the team to its first qualification to a European Championship in 1998, which Romania subsequently hosted.<ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=mediafax/><ref name=sport2>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/nationala/cum-a-aratat-romania-u21-la-euro-1998-cine-a-castigat-competitia-si-cine-au-fost-vedetele-acelui-turneu.html| title=Cum a aratat Romania U21 la Euro 1998! Cine a castigat competitia si cine au fost vedetele acelui turneu final| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=How Romania U21 showed at Euro 1998! Who won the competition and who were the stars of that final tournament| date=5 October 2018 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=sport3>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/nationala/tragere-la-sorti-euro-u21-duelul-capitanilor-u21-lutu-1998-vs-ionut-radu-2018-lutu-nu-ne-tinea-discursuri.html| title=TRAGERE LA SORTI EURO U21. Duelul capitanilor U21: Lutu 1998 vs. Ionut Radu 2018. "Lutu nu ne tinea discursuri mobilizatoare in vestiar"| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=EURO U21 DRAW. U21 captains duel: Lutu 1998 vs. Ionut Radu 2018. "Lutu didn't give us mobilizing speeches in the locker room"| date=23 November 2018 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=GSP2>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/mai-tii-minte-cum-arata-si-ce-a-facut-nationala-romaniei-u21-la-singura-calificare-la-european-8-fotbalisti-din-lotul-actual-nici-nu-erau-nascuti-548064.html| title=Mai ții minte? Cum arăta și ce a făcut naționala României U21 la singura calificare la European. 8 fotbaliști din lotul actual nici nu erau născuți!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Do you remember? How it looked and what the Romanian U21 national team did in the only European qualification. 8 footballers from the current team were not even born!| date=12 September 2018 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> They qualified after winning the group 8 of the qualifiers with eight victories out of eight matches against Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Lithuania and Macedonia.<ref name=sport2/><ref name=sport3/> In the final tournament which was composed of eight teams, they were eliminated by Netherlands with 2–0 in the quarter-finals.<ref name=sport2/><ref name=sport3/><ref name=GSP2/> They also lost the games for the 5th-8th places and for the 7th place to Germany and Russia respectively.<ref name=sport2/><ref name=sport3/><ref name=GSP2/> However, from the 20-players squad that took part at that tournament, only five never played for Romania's senior team throughout their career.<ref name=sport2/>
In 1998, following the success with the under-21 side, Pițurcă was appointed as Romania's seniors manager, making his debut on 17 August in a 0–0 friendly draw against Norway.<ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=sport/><ref name=mediafax/><ref name=EU2>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_manager.php?id=485|title=Victor Pițurcă manager profile|publisher=European Football|access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=DIGI>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/echipa-nationala/cifrele-lui-piturca-cel-mai-longeviv-selectioner-si-singurul-care-a-calificat-romania-la-doua-editii-ale-ce-134553 | title=Cifrele lui Pițurcă: cel mai longeviv selecționer şi singurul care a calificat România la două ediții ale CE| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Pițurcă's figures: the longest-serving coach and the only one who qualified Romania for two editions of the EC| date=14 October 2014| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> He qualified the team to the Euro 2000, as he won the qualification group with seven victories and three draws against Portugal, Slovakia, Hungary, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein.<ref name=agerpres/><ref name=GDS/><ref name=mediafax/><ref name=EU2/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eurosport.ro/fotbal/campionatul-european-uefa/2000/dordesport-euro-2000-franta-campioana-mondiala-si-europeana.-ultimul-turneu-jucat-de-hagi_sto7722474/story.shtml | title=#Dordesport Euro 2000: Franța, Campioană mondială și europeană. Ultimul turneu jucat de Hagi | publisher=Eurosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=#Dordesport Euro 2000: France, World and European Champions. The last tournament played by Hagi| date=8 April 2020| access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://welovesport.ro/stiri/fotbal-vintage-un-rezultat-imens-din-vremea-in-care-norocul-nu-era-socotit-un-pacat-28637 | title=Un rezultat imens, din vremea în care norocul nu era socotit un păcat | publisher=Welovesport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=A huge result, from the time when luck was not considered a sin| date=10 October 2023| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> However, despite this performance, Pițurcă was sacked in late 1999, not having the chance to take the squad to the final tournament, due to an argument he had with Romania's best players, Gheorghe Hagi, Gheorghe Popescu and Dan Petrescu.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=GDS/><ref name=mediafax/><ref name=orange>{{cite web | url=https://orangesport.ro/victor-piturca-antrenorul-care-a-calificat-romania-la-doua-turnee-finale-de-campionat-european-exclude-o-revenire-pe-banca-nationalei-20093992| title=Victor Pițurcă, antrenorul care a calificat România la două turnee finale de Campionat European, exclude o revenire pe banca naționalei| publisher=Orangesport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Victor Pițurcă, the coach who qualified Romania to two European Championship finals, rules out a return to the national team bench| date=3 April 2021 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref>
At the beginning of the year 2000, he returned to Steaua, finishing the championship in third place.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=agerpres/> He managed to win the following one and also the 2001 Supercupa României with a 2–1 victory against Dinamo București.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=GDS/><ref name=mediafax/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/super_cup/2001.shtml|title=Romanian Supercup – Season 2001|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> He resigned in June 2002 after an argument with the club's chairman, Gigi Becali, but they reconciled and Pițurcă came back in October the same year.<ref name=fanatik/> He finished the 2002–03 and 2003–04 seasons in second place.<ref name=fanatik/> He guided the team in the 2003–04 UEFA Cup season when ''The Red and Blues'' eliminated Neman Grodno and Southampton in the first two rounds.<ref name=agerpres/><ref name=liverpool>{{cite web | url=https://premium.gsp.ro/gsp-special/poveste/70-de-ani-de-steaua-oricare-ar-fi-ea-drumul-alunecos-de-la-glorie-europeana-la-procese-si-incertitudine-512795.html | title=70 de ani de Steaua, oricare ar fi ea. Drumul alunecos de la glorie europeană la procese și incertitudine | publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=70 years of Steaua, whichever it is. The slippery road from European glory to lawsuits and uncertainty| date=7 June 2018| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> Subsequently, they earned a 1–1 draw in the first leg of the following round against Liverpool, losing the away leg with 1–0, thus the campaign ended.<ref name=agerpres/><ref name=liverpool/> In July 2004, Pițurcă resigned after another argument with Becali, who fired player Romeo Pădureț without his approval.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/paduret-ma-onoreaza-daca-piturca-a-plecat-pentru-1332738.html| title=Paduret:"Ma onoreaza daca Piturca a plecat pentru mine"| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Paduret:"I would be honored if Piturca left for me"| date=31 July 2004 | access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/romeo-paduret-gigi-voia-sa-scape-de-piturca-de-aia-m-a-dat-afara-pe-mine-202480.html| title=Romeo Pădureț:"Gigi voia să scape de Pițurcă. De-aia m-a dat afară pe mine"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Romeo Pădureț:"Gigi wanted to get rid of Pițurcă. That's why he kicked me out"| date=3 April 2021 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref>
In December 2004, Pițurcă was appointed manager of Romania for the second time, when the qualification to the 2006 World Cup was largely compromised.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=GDS/><ref name=mediafax/> Despite obtaining good results in the qualifiers, including a 2–0 home win over Czech Republic, he was ultimately unable to secure qualification.<ref name=EU2/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://romanialibera.ro/special/romania-cehia-2-0-1-0-11582/| title=Romania-Cehia 2-0 (1-0)| publisher=Romanialibera.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Romania-Czech Republic 2-0 (1-0)| date=5 September 2005 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> He won the Euro 2008 qualifying group G ahead of Netherlands, against whom he obtained a historical first-ever victory with 1–0 at the Farul stadium.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=mediafax/><ref name=EU2/><ref name=DIGI/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mediafax.ro/sport/romania-invinge-olanda-cu-scorul-de-1-0-si-ramane-liderul-grupei-g-955003| title=România învinge Olanda cu scorul de 1-0 și rămâne liderul grupei G| publisher=Mediafax.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Romania defeats the Netherlands with a score of 1-0 and remains the leader of group G| date=13 October 2007 | access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-arhiva-1016446-romania-olanda-1-0-victoria-unei-generatii.htm | title=Romania - Olanda 1-0. Victoria unei generatii!| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Romania - Netherlands 1-0. Victory of a generation!| date=13 October 2007 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> This performance helped him earn the 2007 ''Gazeta Sporturilor'' Romania Coach of the Year award.<ref name=award>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/altele/stiri/piturca-socheaza-inainte-de-euro-2008-17191.html| title=Piturca socheaza inainte de EURO 2008| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Piturca shocks before EURO 2008| date=30 November 2007 | access-date=21 April 2024}}</ref> In the Euro 2008 final tournament, Romania was drawn in the "Group of Death" where they obtained two draws in their first two games against France and Italy who were the finalists of the previous World Cup.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=mediafax/><ref name=EU2/><ref name=adevarul2>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/euro-2008-haiducii-lui-piturca-n-au-1711487.html| title=EURO 2008: "Haiducii" lui Pițurcă n-au supravieţuit în "Grupa Morții"| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=EURO 2008: Pițurcă's "Hajduks" did not survive in the "Group of Death"| date=30 May 2016| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> However, they lost 0–2 to the Netherlands, finishing the group in third place, thus being eliminated from the competition.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=mediafax/><ref name=EU2/><ref name=adevarul2/> He was very criticized by the press for the defensive style imposed on the team, especially in the last match.<ref name=fanatik/> After Euro 2008, Romania showed an increasingly poor form during the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, as in the first two games they lost 0–3 to Lithuania at home and four days later secured a difficult 1–0 victory against the Faroe Islands.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=GDS/><ref name=mediafax/><ref name=EU2/> After a 2–2 draw against France, they lost the next two games to Serbia and Austria.<ref name=EU2/> Considering these results, the Romanian Football Federation released Pițurcă in April 2009, appointing Răzvan Lucescu instead.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=GDS/><ref name=mediafax/><ref name=EU2/>
In 2010, he had two short spells as manager at Steaua and Universitatea Craiova, leaving both clubs due to conflicts with their owners.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=mediafax/> [[File:Algérie-Roumanie - 20140604 - Victor Piturca.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Victor Pițurcă as manager of Romania in 2014]] On 14 June 2011, Pițurcă returned for a third spell in charge of Romania when the chances of qualifying for Euro 2012 were very low, with the objective of creating a team that would qualify for Euro 2016.<ref name=fanatik/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/nationala/piti-taie-in-carne-vie-cei-3-jucatori-care-nu-vor-mai-fi-chemati-la-nationala-si-ce-surprize-pregateste-noul-selectioner-8342038| title=Piți taie în carne vie! Cei 3 jucători care nu vor mai fi chemați la națională și ce SURPRIZE pregătește noul selecționer| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Piți cuts into living flesh! The 3 players who will no longer be called up to the national team and what SURPRISE the new coach is preparing| date=14 June 2011| access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/nationala/piturca-revine-cu-planuri-mari-sa-nu-credeti-ca-nu-voi-incerca-sa-calific-nationala-si-la-euro-2012-8344696| title=Pițurcă revine cu planuri mari:"Să nu credeți că nu voi încerca să calific naționala și la EURO 2012"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Pițurcă returns with big plans:"Don't think that I won't try to qualify the national team for EURO 2012"| date=15 June 2011| access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/echipa-nationala/exclusiv-piturca-va-pleca-de-la-nationala-indiferent-de-soarta-calificarii-are-deja-o-oferta-pe-masa-66564| title=Pițurcă va pleca de la națională indiferent de soarta calificării. Are deja o ofertă pe masă| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Pițurcă will leave the national team regardless of the fate of the qualification. He already has an offer on the table| date=15 August 2013| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> He was close to qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, finishing the qualification group in second place behind Netherlands but above Turkey, Hungary, Estonia and Andorra.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=EU2/> Thus they reached the play-off where they lost 4–2 on aggregate to Greece.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=EU2/> He started with two victories against Greece and Finland, and a draw against Hungary in the Euro 2016 qualifiers.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=EU2/> Subsequently, he left the team to go to Saudi Arabia, but Romania still managed to qualify for the final tournament by utilizing many of the young players Pițurcă had promoted.<ref name=fanatik/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/nationala/lista-celor-8-magnifici-care-ne-duc-la-euro-2016-matel-chiriches-torje-pintilii-grozav-si-mai-sunt-ce.html | title=Cei 8 MAGNIFICI care ne duc la Euro 2016: "Matel, Chiriches, Torje, Pintilii, Grozav si mai sunt!" Ce spune Mircea Sandu despre reconstructia echipei nationale | publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The 8 MAGNIFICENTS who will take us to Euro 2016: "Matel, Chiriches, Torje, Pintilii, Grozav and there are more!" What Mircea Sandu says about the reconstruction of the national team| date=16 December 2013 | access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.eurosport.ro/fotbal/calificarile-pentru-campionatul-european-uefa/2024/povestea-ultimei-calificari-a-romaniei-la-un-turneu-final.-cum-a-fost-drumul-tricolorilor-spre-euro-_sto9886115/story.shtml| title=Povestea ultimei calificări a României la un turneu final. Cum a fost drumul tricolorilor spre EURO 2016| publisher=Eurosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The story of Romania's last qualification to a final tournament. How was the tricolors' road to EURO 2016| date=17 November 2023| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> He has a total of 96 games from his three spells at the national team, consisting of 53 victories, 23 draws and 20 losses.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=EU2/>
On 16 October 2014, Pițurcă signed a two-year deal with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=agerpres/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/news/0253-0d7f8539d030-491b6bed1f7f-1000--piturca-and-romania-part-ways-for-third-time/|title=Pițurcă and Romania part ways for third time|publisher=UEFA|date=16 October 2014|access-date=13 April 2016}}</ref> In January 2015, he was heavily criticized for excluding Al-Ittihad's top stars Mohammed Noor and Hamad Al-Montashari due to disobeying training procedure.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/piturca-socat-pe-seicii-de-la-al-ittihad-dat-afara-doua-legende-ale-clubului-1391944| title=SCANDAL la Al Ittihad! Pițurcă a dat afară două legende ale clubului| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=SCANDAL at Al Ittihad! Pițurcă fired two legends of the club| date=13 January 2015| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> He was dismissed in June 2015 because the club's officials were unsatisfied that the team finished the season in fourth place.<ref name=agerpres/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/stranieri/l-au-demis-presa-araba-anunta-ca-victor-piturca-a-fost-dat-afara-de-la-al-ittihad-cine-i-ar-putea-lua-locul-451394.html| title=L-au demis! Presa arabă anunţă că Victor Piţurcă a fost dat afară de la Al Ittihad. Cine i-ar putea lua locul| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=They fired him! The Arab press announces that Victor Piţurcă was fired from Al Ittihad. Who could take his place| date=6 June 2015| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> He was replaced by László Bölöni, but came back to the club in December the same year only to leave again in July 2016.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=agerpres/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/arabii-insista-victor-piturca-revine-la-al-ittihad-a-pus-conditii-speciale-pentru-a-isi-recupera-datoria-de-peste-un-milion-euro-1341720| title=Arabii insistă. "Victor Pițurcă revine la Al Ittihad. A pus condiții speciale pentru a își recupera datoria de peste un milion euro"| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The Arabs insist. "Victor Pițurcă returns to Al Ittihad. He set special conditions to recover his debt of over one million euros"| date=6 December 2015| access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/fotbal-international/piturca-si-a-reziliat-contractul-cu-al-ittihad-dar-nu-este-lasat-sa-plece-din-arabia-saudita-238459| title=Pițurcă și-a reziliat contractul cu Al Ittihad, dar nu este lăsat să plece din Arabia Saudită| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Pițurcă terminated his contract with Al Ittihad, but is not allowed to leave Saudi Arabia| date=19 July 2016| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref>
Pițurcă signed a contract with Universitatea Craiova on 22 August 2019, but resigned in January 2020 because he was unsatisfied that the club's officials did not want to transfer the players he desired.<ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=agerpres/><ref name=GSP3>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/cs-universitatea-craiova-exclusiv-victor-piturca-dupa-plecarea-din-banie-eu-nu-stau-ca-sa-ma-bata-gigi-becali-586771.html| title=Victor Pițurcă, după plecarea din Bănie:"Eu nu stau ca să mă bată Gigi Becali!"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Victor Pițurcă, after leaving Bănie:"I don't stay to be beaten by Gigi Becali!"| date=4 January 2020| access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/victor-piturca-si-patronul-mihai-rotaru-razboi-total-motivul-pentru-care-s-au-certat-in-aceasta-dimineata-exclusiv-18960386|title=Bombă! Victor Pițurcă a demisionat de la Universitatea Craiova|publisher=ProSport|author=Victor Vrînceanu|date=4 January 2020}}</ref> He has a total of 204 matches as a manager in the Romanian top-division, Liga I, consisting of 116 victories, 43 draws and 45 losses.<ref name=GSP3/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/top_antrenori.shtml| title= Top 60 antrenori| publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Top 60 coaches|access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref>
==Controversies== In 1981, Pițurcă and other people were arrested in Târgu Jiu for playing barbut, an illegal dice game during the communist regime.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=gorj/><ref name=barbut>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/cati-bani-avea-victor-piturca-la-el-cand-a-fost-1709909.html| title=Câți bani avea Victor Pițurcă la el când a fost arestat pentru că juca barbut. S-a descoperit şi că fostul selecționer ținea acasă, sub calorifer, o mică avere | publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=How much money did Victor Pițurcă have on him when he was arrested for playing the game of barbut? It was also discovered that the former selector kept a small fortune at home, under the radiator| date=23 May 2016 | access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.playsport.ro/victor-piturca-arestat-si-dus-la-puscarie-dupa-ce-a-fost-judecat-si-condamnat-in-regim-de-urgenta-povestea-uitata-a-fostului-selectioner-al-romaniei-remember-241317 | title=Victor Pițurcă, arestat și dus la pușcărie după ce a fost judecat și condamnat în regim de urgență. Povestea uitată a fostului selecționer al României | publisher=Playsport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Victor Pițurcă, arrested and taken to prison after being tried and sentenced in emergency mode. The forgotten story of the former Romanian coach| date=13 February 2023 | access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/victor-piturca-a-facut-puscarie-pentru-jocuri-de-noroc-646574.html | title=Victor Pițurcă dezvăluie cum a făcut două luni de pușcărie: "Nu vă dau niciun ban! Condamnați-mă!" + cine i-a spus primul "Satana" | publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Victor Pițurcă reveals how he spent two months in prison: "I won't give you any money! Condemn me!" + who called him "Satan" first| date=10 November 2021 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> He was sentenced to six months in prison, but eventually was released after about two months as his club Olt Scornicești insisted that there be a re-trial.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=gorj/><ref name=barbut/>
In May 2008, Gigi Becali, the owner of Steaua, had promised €1.7 million to the footballers of Universitatea Cluj so that they would not succumb to CFR Cluj.<ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=suitcase>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/victor-piturca-un-an-de-inchisoare-cu-suspendare-in-dosarul-valiza-56226 | title=Victor Pițurcă, un an de închisoare cu suspendare în "Dosarul Valiza"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Victor Pițurcă, a year in prison with suspension in the "Suitcase Case"| date=4 June 2013 | access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/special/victor-piturca-a-fost-condamnat-in-dosarul-valiza-si-a-facut-inchisoare-inainte-de-1989-2192949 | title=Victor Pițurcă a fost condamnat în dosarul "Valiza" și a făcut închisoare înainte de 1989 | publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Victor Pițurcă was convicted in "The Suitcase" case and spent time in prison before 1989| date=30 January 2023 | access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/de-ce-a-fost-trimis-dupa-gratii-victor-piturca-inainte-de-1989.html | title=De ce a fost trimis după gratii Victor Pițurcă înainte de 1989 | publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Why was Victor Pițurcă sent behind bars before 1989| date=30 January 2023 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=ZF>{{cite web | url=https://www.zf.ro/zf-24/gigi-becali-condamnat-definitiv-la-trei-ani-de-inchisoare-cu-executare-in-dosarul-valiza-10926137 | title=Gigi Becali, condamnat definitiv la trei ani de închisoare cu executare în dosarul "Valiza"| publisher=Zf.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gigi Becali, definitively sentenced to three years in prison with execution in the "Suitcase" file| date=4 June 2013 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=GSP4>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/citeste-istoria-completa-a-cazului-valiza-114317.html | title=Citește istoria completă a "Cazului Valiza"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Read the full story of "The Suitcase Case"| date=19 December 2008 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> He sent one of his men with the money in Cluj-Napoca, where he ended up detained by the National Anticorruption Directorate.<ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=suitcase/><ref name=ZF/><ref name=GSP4/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/teia-sponte-si-gigel-coman-retinuti-la-cluj-67743.html | title=Teia Sponte şi Gigel Coman reținuți la Cluj!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Teia Sponte and Gigel Coman detained in Cluj!| date=8 May 2008 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> A few days later, Becali claimed the money was to buy a plot of land and presented a sales-purchase contract that he claimed was signed on 15 April, one of the signatures belonging to Pițurcă.<ref name=suitcase/><ref name=ZF/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/cum-a-ajuns-piturca-sa-fie-condamnat-in-dosarul-valiza-dialogul-dintre-selectioner-si-gigi-becali-400902.html | title=Cum a ajuns Pițurcă să fie condamnat în Dosarul Valiza. Dialogul dintre selecționer și Gigi Becali| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=How Pițurcă came to be convicted in the Suitcase Case. The dialogue between the coach and Gigi Becali| date=12 June 2013 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> In 2013, Pițurcă received a one-year suspended sentence in the case, being found guilty of perjury in favor of Becali.<ref name=fanatik2/><ref name=suitcase/><ref name=ZF/><ref name=GSP4/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/ziua-valiza-in-fotbalul-romanesc-becali-poate-fi-condamnat-iar-si-steaua-retrogradata-scenariul-de-groaza.html | title=Ziua valiZa in fotbalul romanesc! Judecatorii au decis: Becali, CONDAMNAT la 3 ani de inchisoare cu executare! Piturca, un an cu suspendare!| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=ValiZa day in Romanian football! The judges decided: Becali, SENTENCED to 3 years in prison with execution! Piturca, a year with suspension!| date=4 June 2013 | access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/gigi-becali-a-primit-trei-ani-cu-executare-in-dosarul-valiza-steaua-risca-sa-fie-exclusa-din-europa-56180 | title=Gigi Becali a primit trei ani cu executare în Dosarul Valiza. Steaua riscă să fie exclusă din Europa| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gigi Becali received three years with enforcement in the Suitcase Case. The star risks being excluded from Europe| date=3 June 2013 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref>
==Personal life== At Steaua București and Universitatea Craiova he coached his son, Alexandru, who was a striker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/alexandru-piturca-nu-ma-compar-cu-tata-2540283|title=Alexandru Piţurcă: "Nu mă compar cu tata!"|date=10 April 2008 |publisher=Prosport.ro|language=ro|trans-title=Alexandru Piţurcă: „I can't compare myself with my father!“|access-date= 8 October 2017}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/alexandru-piturca-program-separat-de-pregatire-tata-e-dur-cu-mine-7483299?keepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=555&width=950??|title=Alexandru Piţurcă, program separat de pregătire: "Tata e dur cu mine"|date=16 October 2010 |publisher=Prosport.ro|language=ro|trans-title=Alexandru Piţurcă, separate training schedule: "My father is ruff with me"|access-date= 8 October 2017}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://www.prosport.ro/sport-life/special/special-situatie-de-gradul-i-in-liga-1-ce-a-realizat-silviu-lung-jr-prin-castigarea-titlului-cu-astra-de-la-fratii-valcov-la-fratii-costea-si-familia-piturca-15286412|title=SPECIAL Situaţie de gradul I în Liga 1. Ce a realizat Silviu Lung jr. prin câştigarea titlului cu Astra. De la fraţii Vâlcov, la fraţii Costea şi familia Piţurcă|date=9 May 2016 |publisher=Prosport.ro|language=ro |trans-title=SPECIAL First grade situation in Liga 1. What Silviu Lung jr. accomplished by winning the title with Astra. From the brothers Vâlcov to the brothers Costea and the Piţurcă family|access-date= 6 October 2017}}</ref> Pițurcă is the cousin of Eugen Neagoe who was also a footballer and a coach.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.monitorulexpres.ro/?mod=monitorulexpres&p=sport&s_id=177001 | title= Vărul lui Piţurcă este antrenor la Sepsi| publisher=monitorulexpres.ro|language=ro |trans-title=Piţurcă's cousin is coach at Sepsi| date=15 November 2017 | access-date=8 April 2019}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://evz.ro/neagoe-inlocuit-de-varul-piturca-879558.html | title= Neagoe, înlocuit de vărul Piţurcă?| publisher=Evz.ro|language=ro |trans-title=Neagoe, replaced by his cousin Piţurcă?| date=13 December 2009 | access-date=8 April 2019}}</ref> Another one of his cousins, Florin Pițurcă, was a footballer who played for Drobeta-Turnu Severin in Divizia C, dying in December 1978 at age 20, shortly after playing a game.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.vavel.com/es/futbol-internacional/2015/09/20/eldesvan/543032-conspiracion-piturca.html | title=Conspiración Piturca|publisher=Vavel.com|language=Spanish |trans-title=The Piturca Conspiracy| date=20 September 2015 | access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/diverse/tragedia-care-a-nascut-multe-semne-de-intrebare-controversatul-deces-al-varului-lui-victor-piturca-14728242 | title=Tragedia care a născut multe semne de întrebare. Controversatul deces al vărului lui Victor Pițurcă|publisher=Prosport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=The tragedy that gave birth to many question marks. The controversial death of Victor Pițurcă's cousin| date=20 September 2015 | access-date=21 November 2023}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/stiri-locale/turnu-severin/misterul-din-jurul-mortii-fotbalistului-florin-1570415.html | title=Misterul din jurul morții fotbalistului Florin Pițurcă de la FC Drobeta. Dramă în familia selecționerului Victor Pițurcă|publisher=Adevarul.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=The mystery surrounding the death of footballer Florin Pițurcă from FC Drobeta. Drama in the family of the selector Victor Pițurcă| date=12 October 2014 | access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref>
Pițurcă was nicknamed ''Satana'' ("Satan") by the press, something he called "remarkable".<ref name=fanatik/><ref name=GSP3/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/piturca-este-mandru-de-porecla-satana-vezi-de-unde-vine.html|title=Piturca este mandru de porecla Satana! Vezi de unde vine|trans-title=Piturca is proud of his "Satan" nickname! See where it came from|date=March 2010|access-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>
==Honours== ===Player=== '''Pandurii Târgu Jiu''' *Divizia C: 1978–79<ref name=gorj/> '''Steaua București''' *Divizia A: 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89<ref name=RS/> *Cupa României: 1984–85, 1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89<ref name=RS/> *European Cup: 1985–86, runner-up: 1988–89<ref name=RS/> *European Supercup: 1986<ref name=RS/> *Intercontinental Cup runner-up: 1986<ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma1865193/lineup/|title=River Plate 1:0 Steaua București|access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref>
===Individual=== *Divizia A top scorer: 1987–88<ref name=RS/> *European Bronze Boot: 1987–88<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web|author1=Arotaritei, Sorin |author2=Di Maggio, Roberto |author3=Stokkermans, Karel |title=Golden Boot ("Soulier d'Or") Awards|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/gboot.html|date=16 August 2016|website=RSSSF |access-date=24 September 2016}}</ref>
===Manager=== '''Steaua București''' *Divizia A: 2000–01<ref name=RS/> *Cupa României: 1991–92<ref name=RS/> *Supercupa României: 2001<ref name=RS/>
===Individual=== *''Gazeta Sporturilor'' Romania Coach of the Year: 2007<ref name=award/>
==Managerial statistics== {{updated|22 December 2019}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |- !rowspan="2"|Team !rowspan="2"|Nat !rowspan="2"|From !rowspan="2"|To !colspan="5"|Record |- !G!!W!!D!!L!!Win % |- |align=left|Steaua București |{{flagicon|Romania}} |align=left|8 March 1992 |align=left|21 June 1992 {{WDL|23|14|5|4}} |- |align=left|FC Universitatea Craiova |{{flagicon|Romania}} |align=left|29 August 1994 |align=left|30 June 1995 {{WDL|37|23|4|10}} |- |align=left|Romania U21 |{{flagicon|Romania}} |align=left|1 June 1996 |align=left|31 May 1998 {{WDL|10|8|0|2}} |- |align=left|Romania |{{flagicon|Romania}} |align=left|1 June 1998 |align=left|1 December 1999 {{WDL|21|11|8|2}} |- |align=left|Steaua București |{{flagicon|Romania}} |align=left|7 July 2000 |align=left|7 June 2002 {{WDL|75|39|17|19}} |- |align=left|Steaua București |{{flagicon|Romania}} |align=left|27 October 2002 |align=left|3 June 2004 {{WDL|61|32|21|8}} |- |align=left|Romania |{{flagicon|Romania}} |align=left|10 December 2004 |align=left|9 April 2009 {{WDL|46|27|7|12}} |- |align=left|Steaua București |{{flagicon|Romania}} |align=left|20 June 2010 |align=left|6 August 2010 {{WDL|3|2|1|0}} |- |align=left|FC Universitatea Craiova |{{flagicon|Romania}} |align=left|26 August 2010 |align=left|14 January 2011 {{WDL|16|7|3|6}} |- |align=left|Romania |{{flagicon|Romania}} |align=left|14 June 2011 |align=left|16 October 2014 {{WDL|35|17|10|8}} |- |align=left|Al-Ittihad |{{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}} |align=left|17 October 2014 |align=left|12 July 2015 {{WDL|23|12|4|7}} |- |align=left|Al-Ittihad |{{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}} |align=left|15 December 2015 |align=left|10 July 2016 {{WDL|26|14|5|7}} |- |align=left|Universitatea Craiova |{{flagicon|Romania}} |align=left|1 September 2019 |align=left|4 January 2020 {{WDL|16|8|3|5}} |- !colspan="4" align="center" valign=middle|Total {{WDLtot|392|214|88|90}} |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{NFT player|17643}} * {{RomanianSoccer|1595/victor-piturca}} * [http://www.steauafc.com/ro/antrenori/34/ Victor Pițurcă manager profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022054124/http://www.steauafc.com/ro/antrenori/34/ |date=22 October 2014 }} at Steaua București {{in lang|ro}} * {{EU-Football.info manager|485}} * {{Soccerbase manager|2644}} * {{NFT coach|17643}} * {{Soccerway coach|33491}}
{{Navboxes |title=Awards |bg=gold |fg=navy |list1= {{Liga I top scorers}} {{Romania Coach of the Year}} }} {{Romania Squad 2008 UEFA Euro}} {{Navboxes |title= Victor Pițurcă managerial positions |list1= {{Romania national football team managers}} {{Al-Ittihad managers}} {{FC Steaua București managers}} {{CS Universitatea Craiova managers}} {{FC Universitatea Craiova managers}} }}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Piturca, Victor}} Category:1956 births Category:Living people Category:Romanian men's footballers Category:Men's association football forwards Category:Footballers from Dolj County Category:Liga I players Category:Liga II players Category:Liga III players Category:CS Universitatea Craiova players Category:CS Pandurii Târgu Jiu players Category:FC Olt Scornicești players Category:FCSB players Category:UEFA Champions League–winning players Category:Ligue 2 players Category:RC Lens players Category:Romania men's international footballers Category:Romanian expatriate men's footballers Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in France Category:Expatriate men's footballers in France Category:Romanian football managers Category:Liga I managers Category:UEFA Euro 2008 managers Category:Saudi Pro League managers Category:FCSB non-playing staff Category:FCSB managers Category:FC U Craiova 1948 managers Category:Romania national football team managers Category:Al-Ittihad Club (Jeddah) managers Category:CS Universitatea Craiova managers Category:Expatriate football managers in Saudi Arabia Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in Saudi Arabia Category:20th-century Romanian sportsmen