Marian Mihail

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Marian Mihail

| image = Marian Mihail.jpg

| upright = 1.1

| full_name = Marian Cucchiaroni Mihail

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1958|5|7}}

| birth_place = Brasov, Romania

| position = Right-back

| youthyears1 = 1969–1975

| youthclubs1 = Brasov FC

| years1 = 1975–1976

| clubs1 = Brasov FC

| caps1 = 24

| goals1 = 8

| years2 = 1976–1992

| clubs2 = Sportul Studentesc Bucharest

| caps2 = 385

| goals2 = 6

| totalcaps = 409

| totalgoals = 14

| nationalyears1 = 1979–1980

| nationalteam1 = Romania U21

| nationalcaps1 = 2

| nationalgoals1 = 0

| nationalyears2 = 1983–1987

| nationalteam2 = Romania U23

| nationalcaps2 = 11

| nationalgoals2 = 0

| nationalyears3 = 1982–1986

| nationalteam3 = Romania

| nationalcaps3 = 5

| nationalgoals3 = 0

| manageryears1 = 1996–1997

| managerclubs1 = Sportul Studentesc Bucharest

| manageryears2 = 1997

| managerclubs2 = Brasov FC

| manageryears3 = 1997–1998

| managerclubs3 = Bacau FC

| manageryears4 = 1998–1999

| managerclubs4 = Sportul Studentesc Bucharest

| manageryears5 = 1999–2001

| managerclubs5 = Steaua Bucharest (Director of Football)

| manageryears6 = 2001–2002

| managerclubs6 = Rocar Bucharest

| manageryears7 = 2002–2003

| managerclubs7 = Al-Qardaha SC

| manageryears8 = 2003–2004

| managerclubs8 = Al-Riyadh SC

| manageryears9 = 2005

| managerclubs9 = Sibiu FC

| manageryears11 = 2006–2007

| managerclubs11 = Al-Jaish SC

| manageryears12 = 2007–2008

| managerclubs12 = Sportul Studenesc Bucharest

| manageryears13 = 2008–2009

| managerclubs13 = Al-Jahra SC

| manageryears14 = 2009–2010

| managerclubs14 = Al-Wahda Abu Dhabi (Technical Director)

| manageryears15 = 2011–2014

| managerclubs15 = Romania FA (National Technical Director)

| manageryears16 = 2016–2017

| managerclubs16 = Zakho SC

| manageryears17 = 2017–2018

| managerclubs17 = Thanh Hoa FC

| manageryears18 = 2023

| managerclubs18 = PSS Sleman

| managerclubs19 = United City FC

| manageryears19 = 2024

}}

Marian Cucchiaroni Mihail ({{IPA|ro|maˈrian ˈkuk:iaˈro:ni miˈhajl}}; born 7 May 1958) is a Romanian professional football manager and former player who most recently managed PFL club United City FC.

An attack-minded right-back, Mihail spent almost his entire 17-year professional career playing for Sportul Studentesc Bucharest in the top tier of Romanian football (SuperLiga). He also represented Romania internationally at U21, U23 and senior levels. After retiring from playing, Mihail moved into coaching and has since managed teams in Romania, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Irak, Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines. Mihail also served as National Technical Director of the Romania Football Association (FRF) from 2011 to 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.libertatea.ro/detalii/articol/mihail-marian-noul-director-tehnic-al-frf-351324.html |title=Mihail Marian, noul director tehnic al FRF – Fotbal intern |work=Libertatea |date=23 August 2011 |access-date=25 May 2012}}

Club career

Mihail began his senior career in 1975, at the age of 17, playing as a winger for his hometown club Brasov FC,[https://lastegaru.net/2014/04/10/primul-an-de-divizia-b-1975-1976/ Staegul Rosu Brasov – first year of the Romanian second tier 1975–1976 season] in the second tier of Romanian football, making 24 appearances and scoring 8 goals.

The following season he moved to Sportul Studentesc Bucharest, where he spent 16 successive years of Romanian top flight football, playing over 400 league games and scoring 6 goals.
Mihail made his competitive debut for Sportul Studentesc Bucharest on 20 October 1976, aged just 18, in the first leg of their 1976–77 UEFA Cup second round against German side Schalke 04.{{cite web|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/spielbericht/europa-league-1976-1977-2-runde-sportul-studentesc-fc-schalke-04/ |title=Match details / line-up: Sportul Studenţesc – FC Schalke 04 (Europa League 1976/1977) |publisher=Worldfootball.net |access-date=25 May 2012}}[https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/64773--sportul-studentesc-vs-schalke/?referrer=%2Fuefaeuropaleague%2Fseason%3D1976%2Fmatches%2Fround%3D1080%2Fmatch%3D64773%2F uefa europa league match sportul studentesc vs schalke 04 ]
It was in the early 1980s that he was converted from a winger to an attacking full-back. During his time at Sportul Studentesc Bucharest, Mihail was a Romanian FA Cup finalist in the 1978–79 season and a Romanian League runner-up in the 1985–86 season.[http://www.sportulstudentesc.com/soccer/english/history.htm Sportul Studentesc Club History] He also played 16 European games for the club from 1976 to 1987.[https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/history/clubs/52337--sportul-studentesc/?referrer=%2Fuefaeuropaleague%2Fhistory%2Fclubs%2Fclub%3D52337%2F uefa europa league history clubs – sportul studentesc][https://www.worldfootball.net/report/europa-league-1987-1988-achtelfinale-hellas-verona-sportul-studenesc/ worldfootball.net/report/europa-league-1987-1988-achtelfinale-hellas-verona-sportul-studenesc/]

International career

Mihail made five appearances for Romania national team.[https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=13960 Marian Mihail matches for Romania National Team ] His debut was a 4-1 friendly loss away to Belgium at Heysel Stadium, in Brussels, on 14 March 1982.{{cite web |url=http://www.fotbal.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=423&Itemid=489 |title=Anul 1982 |work=Fotbal.net |language=ro |date=16 October 2005 |access-date=25 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319041246/http://www.fotbal.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=423&Itemid=489 |archive-date=19 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesr/roem-intres80.html |title=Romania National Team 1980–1989 – Details |publisher=Rsssf.com |access-date=25 May 2012}} Mihail was part of Romania national team squad for the successful UEFA Euro 1984 qualifying campaign, but he was not selected for the final tournament held in France.[https://www.frf.ro/nationale/masculin/echipa-nationala/gala-euro-84-tricolorii-care-au-facut-istorie-au-fost-premiai-la-frf/ frf.ro echipa-nationala gala euro 84 tricolorii care au facut istorie au fost premiati la frf][https://www.national-football-teams.com/country/151/1982/Romania.html Players and Matches of Romania in 1982]

Managerial career

Mihail began his coaching career in June 1996 as manager of his former club Sportul Studentesc Bucharest, in Romania's top tier.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}} He then managed other two Romanian top flight sides, Brasov FC{{citation needed|date=February 2025}} and Bacau FC,{{citation needed|date=February 2025}} before returning to Sportul Studentesc Bucharest in June 1998 for his second spell as manager of the club,{{citation needed|date=February 2025}} relegated from Romania's top tier.

In October 1999, Mihail was appointed as director of football at Romanian giants Steaua Bucharest, Romania's most successful football club[https://www.romania-insider.com/football-team-steaua-bucharest-wins-25th-champions-title-in-romania Steaua Bucharest wins 25th champions title in-Romania][https://ryanferguson.co.uk/blogs/football/the-rise-fall-and-rebirths-of-steaua-bucharest The rise fall and rebirths of Steaua Bucharest] and former winners of the UEFA Champions League.[https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/uefa-champions-league-preview-steaua-and-celtic-course-progress Steaua Bucharest former European champions ] In this role, he was responsible for the first team's player recruitment and tactical scouting, the youth academy and reserves, medical and sports science, and the player loan department.[https://www.uefa.com/nationalassociations/teams/50065--fcsb/ Steaua Bucharest Club History][http://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/vine-in-staff-si-mihail-marian-vezi-ce-functie-va-ocupa-la-steaua-6467816 Marian Mihail joins staff! See what function he will handle at Steaua Bucharest] During his tenure, the club won two major trophies, the Romanian League title and the Romanian Super Cup, in the 2000–01 season.{{cite web|author=Steaua |url=http://stelisti.gsp.ro/stiri/2210/palmares-steaua.htm |title=MySport :: Comunitatea ta de prieteni din sport |publisher=Stelisti.gsp.ro |access-date=25 May 2012}}

In June 2002, after a stint as manager of Romanian second-tier side Rocar Bucharest,[https://www.ziarulevenimentul.ro/stiri-2/Tabloid/etapa-oaspetilor--13903.html Mihail Marian at Rocar Bucuresti] Mihail moved to the Middle East, where he had successful spells in the top flight football, first in Syria with Al-Qardaha SC, and then in Saudi Arabia with Al-Riyadh SC.

In June 2004, Mihail returned home to complete his UEFA Pro Licence with the Romania Football Association (FRF).{{cite web|author=Ciprian Iana |date=16 December 2004 |url=https://www.9am.ro/stiri-revista-presei/Sport/1657/Antrenorii-romani-se-perfectioneaza-in-campionatele-din-strainatate.html |title=Antrenorii romani se perfectioneaza in campionatele din strainatate |trans-title=Romanian coaches perfected in championships abroad |publisher=9am News |access-date=25 May 2012}} During that period, he was employed by the Romania Football Association (FRF) as youth technical adviser, and also helped them to set up the Romanian national youth program. In 2005, he also had a brief stint as manager of Romanian second-tier side Sibiu.{{cite web |url=http://old.sibianulonline.ro/articol/ziar/sibiu/misiune-dificil/6941/0/ |title=Misiune Dificilă |trans-title=Difficult task |date=22 August 2005 |work=Sibianul |language=ro |access-date=23 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107195613/http://old.sibianulonline.ro/articol/ziar/sibiu/misiune-dificil/6941/0/ |archive-date=7 January 2014 |url-status=dead }}

In May 2006, Mihail moved back to the Middle East, where he signed a two-year contract with the Syrian giants Al-Jaish Damascus. His first competitive match in charge was a 1-3 loss away to Enppi Cairo in the 2006-07 Arab Champions League.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2740904&language=en|title=KUNA : Zamalek, Al-Qadsia draw in Arab Champions League – Sports – 12/08/2018}}

In June 2008, Mihail was appointed as manager of Kuwaiti top flight side Al-Jahra SC, on a one-year contract. In between, Mihail returned home to Romania for his third spell as manager of Sportul Studentesc Bucharest,[https://stiri.botosani.ro/stiri/sport/declaratii-mihail-marian-antrenor-principal-sportul-sportul-studentesc.html Press conference Marian Mihail head coach of Sportul Studentesc 17 November 2007] in Romania's second tier. On 12 May 2009, at a ceremony marking the centenary of the Romania Football Association (FRF), Mihail received the Order of Merit for services to Romanian football.[http://www.aipsmedia.com/index.php?cod=3453&page=news&tp=n Romanian Football Federation celebrates Centenary]

In June 2009, Mihail signed a two-year contract as technical director of Al-Wahda Abu Dhabi FC, one of the most prestigious club in the UAE,[https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/wahda-are-missing-their-big-players-1.414703 Wahda are missing their big players] where he was responsible for the club's youth academy. Mihail's primary focus was to develop a strong academy set up and ensure that all the Al-Wahda youth teams play the same style. Under his stewardship the academy won two national titles, at U17 and U19 levels, in the 2009–10 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/al-wahda-players-net-aed300k-bonus-281782.html |title=Al Wahda players net AED300k bonus |publisher=ArabianBusiness.com |date=8 June 2010 |access-date=25 May 2012}}

In August 2011, Mihail was appointed as National Technical Director of the Romania Football Association (FRF) and coordinator of all youth national teams, on a three-year contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.worldcoachs.com/world-news/5168-romania.html |title=Romania |publisher=Worldcoachs.com |access-date=25 May 2012}} The position was new in the Romania Football Association (FRF) at the time and included responsibility for the overall development and direction of football in Romania. Mihail's main task was to restore the competitiveness of Romanian football. After becoming familiar with the situation in Romanian football and many analyses and consultations, both within the football family and with external partners, Mihail presented his strategic plan to stop the decline of Romanian football and to achieve new success at all levels of competition.[https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01f9-0f87efd3c121-f2415a1f6d52-1000--romania-reveal-three-year-development-plan/ Romania reveal three-year development plan] Priority was given to improve the quality of youth coaches, the performance of the national youth teams and to develop strong partnerships with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to promote new technical standards across the country.

In only three years the new performance strategy has laid a solid base for the future development of football in Romania. This has included reforming the coach education system, revamping the format of the youth leagues and the success of the national youth teams program, both boys and girls, among other healthy developments.[http://www.football-rankings.info/2011/08/fifa-ranking-september-2011-probable_26.html info FIFA-ranking September 2011][http://www.football-rankings.info/2014/03/fifa-ranking-march-2014-final-preview.html info FIFA-ranking March 2014][https://www.uefa.com/under17/news/0252-0ce43d0f2d27-087072923f6d-1000--romania-and-albania-make-the-cut/ Romania U17 finished top with a perfect record][https://www.uefa.com/under19/news/0252-0ce442782451-db449b031385-1000--romania-come-out-on-top-ahead-of-lithuania/ Romania U19 come out on top ahead of Lithuania][https://www.uefa.com/womensunder19/news/0250-0c50fb9ca003-a05a17f5f9e0-1000--albon-reflects-positively-on-unique-experience/ Unique experience on their European Women U-19 Championship][https://www.uefa.com/womensunder17/news/0252-0ce43de2c438-f6d8622d637f-1000--norway-romania-serenely-through-group-2/ UEFA WU-17 Norway, Romania serenely through Group 2]

In February 2014, just a few days before the election of a new president for the Romania Football Association (FRF), it was announced that Mihail officially quit his post.[https://www.uefa.com/news/0253-0d7f502ab638-f78f12ddccba-1000--burleanu-takes-helm-at-romanian-federation/ Burleanu new President of the Romanian Football Federation]

In September 2016, Mihail moved back into club coaching as manager of Iraqi top flight side Zakho SC, on a one-year contract.[https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/batalia-pentru-mosul-antrenorii-romani-din-irak-mihail-marian-si-ion-marin-martori-la-razboiul-impotriva-jihadistilor-video-1641891 Batalia pentru Mosul-antrenorii romani din Irak Mihail Marian si Ion Marin] His first league game in charge was on 26 October 2016 when Zakho faced away Naft Al-Wasat SC, the best team in the league at the time, with the match ending in a 0–0 draw.[https://www.besoccer.com/match/naft-al-wasat/zakho/2017 Match Naft al Wasat vs Zakho 0–0 2016/2017] In January 2017, Mihail announced his decision to leave Zakho SC due to sectarian unrest in the country,[https://ekurd.net/kurdish-football-withdraw-iraq-2016-12-17 Kurdish football clubs withdraw from Iraqi premier league over chants] and was replaced by another Romanian manager, Dorinel Munteanu.[https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161219-sectarian-chants-cause-kurdish-football-teams-to-withdraw-from-iraqi-premier-league/ Sectarian chants cause Kurdish football teams to withdraw from Iraqi Premier League][https://www.gsp.ro/international/stranieri/dorinel-munteanu-pleaca-in-irak-salariu-impresionant-pentru-antrenorul-roman-498083.html Dorinel Munteanu pleaca in Irak]

In December 2017, Mihail was named the new manager of Vietnamese top flight side FLC Thanh Hóa, replacing Ljubomir "Lupko" Petrović of Serbia.[http://ven.vn/mihail-takes-charge-of-thanh-hoa-fc-30204.html Mihail takes charge of Thanh Hoa FC][http://www.goal.com/vn/tintuc/flc-thanh-hoa-bo-nhiem-tan-hlv-ngoai-thay-ongpetrovic/q8kxxsaoumc410d4qgvztrwzy.html FCL Than Hoa name Marian Mihail as new manager to replace Lupko Petrovic] His first competitive match as manager of the team was on 23 January 2018, when FLC Thanh Hóa defeated hosts Eastern AA of Hong Kong 4-2 in the second qualifying round of the 2018 AFC Champions League.[http://www.worldfootball.com/m/665496/2018-01-23/.html afc-champions-league/eastern-salon-football-team/clb-flc-thanh-hoa][https://www.fifa.com/news/debutants-shine-as-goals-and-upsets-mark-preliminary-stage-2926861 Vietnam’s FLC Thanh Hoa survived a late Eastern SC fightback to win 4–2 ] In the next round, they were eliminated from the competition by the South Korean giants and two-time Asian Champions League winners Suwon Samsung Bluewings,[https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20180124001400315 S. Korean football club Suwon to face Vietnamese side in ACL playoffs] in an away match played at the Suwon World Cup Stadium, South Korea on 30 January 2018.[https://www.goal.com/en-bn/match/suwon-bluewings-v-thanh-h%C3%B3a/lineups/aor7cm1s1jasskft2dfpyz3hm Match Suwon Bluewings vs Thanh Hoa – Lineups] The Vietnamese club then took part in the 2018 AFC Cup, Asia's secondary club football tournament, where they joined Bali United from Indonesia, Yangon United from Myanmar and Global Cebu from Philippines in Group G.[https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/afc-cup-2018-gruppe-g/0/ Schedule AFC Cup 2018 Gruppe G] Their first game was a 1-0 home win against Global Cebu on 10 February 2018.[https://www.the-afc.com/competitions/afc-cup/archive/2018/latest/news/group-g-flc-thanh-hoa-1-0-global-cebu-fc AFC Cup 2018 Group G FLC Thanh Hoa 1–0 Global Cebu FC] After failing to reach the knockout stage of the 2018 AFC Cup,[https://www.goal.com/en/news/afc-cup-2018-matchday-six-review-asean-zone/1jzyjd0n1szl51na0ibl764xdw News AFC Cup 2018 match day six review ASEAN zone] Mihail left the club by mutual consent in April 2018.[https://vietnamnews.vn/sports/426199/flc-thanh-hoa-crash-out-of-afc-cup.html FLC Thanh Hoa crash out of AFC Cup 2018]

Following a period as a football pundit on television and a lecturer at the Romanian FA Coaching School (SFA) during the pandemic,[https://www.frf.ro/recomandate/curs-de-perfectionare-pentru-antrenorii-posesori-de-licenta-uefa-pro/ Curs de perfectionare pentru antrenorii posesori de licenta uefa pro] Mihail returned to coaching on 27 April 2023, signining a one-year contract as manager of Indonesian top flight side PSS Sleman.[https://pssleman.id/marian-cucchiaroni-mihail-nahkoda-baru-super-elja-arungi-musim-depan/ MARIAN CUCCHIARONI MIHAIL, NEW CAPTAIN FOR SUPER ELJA FOR NEXT SEASON!][https://www.goal.com/id/berita/resmi-marian-mihail-pelatih-baru-pss-sleman/blt927c889f20cde939 Marian Mihail the new head coach of PSS Sleman] Under Mihail's guidance, PSS Sleman made a good start to the 2023-24 BRI Liga 1 season with a 1-0 win away to Bali United,[https://www.bola.net/indonesia/hasil-bri-liga-1-2023-2024-bali-united-vs-pss-sleman-skor-0-1-bc9651.html?page=3 BRI Liga 1 2023-2024 Bali United vs PSS Sleman skor 0-1][https://football-tribe.com/asia/2023/06/18/bali-united-clinch-acl-qualifier-spot-with-shootout-win/ Bali United clinch AFC Champions League 2023/24 qualifier spot] the representative of Indonesia at the 2023-24 AFC Champions League, followed by a 2-2 draw at home with neighbors and rivals Persis Solo.[https://www.bola.net/indonesia/hasil-bri-liga-1-2023-2024-pss-sleman-vs-persis-solo-skor-2-2-698ce8.html BRI Liga 1 2023-2024 PSS Sleman vs Persis Solo skor 2-2]

In February 2024, Mihail has signed a one-and-a-half-year contract as manager of United City FC (formerly Ceres-Negros),[https://www.unitedcityfootballclub.com/featured/united-city-fc-signs-coach-marian-mihail-as-head-coach/ United City Football Club announced Marian Mihail as their new head coach][https://www.unitedcityfootballclub.com/featured/united-city-fc-signs-coach-marian-mihail-as-head-coach/ United City FC signs coach Marian Mihail as head coach] the most successful club in Filipino football, with four consecutive titles.[https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-city-football-club/?originalSubdomain=ph United City, formerly Cres-Negros, the most successful club in the Philippines] His first competitive game in charge was a 2-0 loss to the current champions Kaya FC-Iloilo on the opening day of the season,[https://dailyguardian.com.ph/kaya-fc-iloilo-kicks-off-pfl-season-with-huge-win-over-united-city-fcx/ kaya fc-iloilo kicks-off pfl season with huge win over united-city] followed by a 3-1 win against Army FC.[https://pfl.org.ph/aced-army-fc-spoil-ucfc-cleansheet-united-wins-3-1/ army fc spoil ucfc clean sheet united wins 3-1] A few months later, United City FC has officially announced their withdrawal from the 2024-25 Philippines Football League season due to financial issues, and all players were released from their contracts immediately.[https://www.instagram.com/asean.football/p/DAAU-jwpFow/ UNITED CITY FC withdraws from PHILIPPINES FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2024/25 ]