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Mircea Lucescu in Induced Coma After Heart Attack

Published 5 April 2026

Legendary Romanian football manager Mircea Lucescu, 80, is in critical condition and has been placed in an induced coma following a severe heart attack, according to reports from Bucharest. The former national team coach, who stepped down from his role just days ago, suffered the attack on Friday morning at the University Emergency Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for ongoing heart issues.

Lucescu was hospitalized on Sunday after collapsing during a team training session, three days after Romania's loss in a World Cup qualifying playoff semifinal to Turkey. The incident occurred ahead of the team's departure for another match against Slovakia, which ended in a 2-0 defeat. Paramedics provided immediate aid, and he was transported to the hospital in stable condition. He resigned as Romania's head coach on Thursday, less than a week after the collapse, but the Romanian Football Federation announced he would transition to an administrative role to continue contributing his expertise.

Initially, doctors reported progress. On Friday, the hospital issued a statement describing an acute myocardial infarction that was treated promptly with medical interventions, including...

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