Nicolae Grigore confirms amicable departure from Gloria Bistrița after one year

Nicolae Grigore has confirmed his departure from Gloria Bistrița after serving as head coach for one year and two months. The split was described as amicable by the coach, who cited the club's safe league status and their qualification for the Romanian Cup quarterfinals during his time in charge.

The exit involves more than just the head coach. Grigore stated that he, Mazilu, Tamași, and Ciprian Petre all left the club together. This collective departure marks the end of a coaching staff that had recently secured a contract extension until the end of the season.

Grigore took over at Gloria Bistrița on August 31, 2025. Over the course of his tenure, the team recorded 18 wins, four draws, and 17 losses. These results helped stabilize the club in Liga 2 following their promotion.

At the time of his departure, Gloria Bistrița sits 12th in the Liga 2 table. The team has accumulated 15 points from 10 matches. They are currently three points away from the play-off places, indicating a mid-table position with room to climb.

The club faces immediate fixtures despite the change in leadership. Gloria Bistrița is scheduled to play against Dumbrăvița next. Following that league match, they will face FCSB in a Romanian Cup group stage game in the middle of the following week.

Grigore addressed recent speculation regarding a potential move to Rapid. He clarified that he did not refuse an offer from the club. Instead, he explained that Daniel Pancu had previously wanted him as an assistant coach. Grigore chose to remain a head coach rather than take an assistant role.

The coach noted that he would only consider it a refusal if he had accepted an assistant position elsewhere. Grigore has been a head coach for three years. Before taking the role at Gloria Bistrița, he served as an assistant to Reghecampf in Azerbaijan.