There were several national teams vying for his services, and more than one would have been happy to keep him. Radu Burciu, however, chose Belgium. With just a few months to go until the 2026 FME EURO in Slovakia, the Romanian coach is taking the reins of the Belgian national mini-football team with a clear vision of where he wants to take it.
A career built to the highest standard
The name Radu Burciu is no stranger to fans of five-a-side football. Before taking his place on the bench, he first made his mark as a player at the very top of the sport: a multiple European champion and winner of both the Champions League and the European Cup. A record that speaks for itself, and which gives him a natural authority when addressing the dressing room.
His career change subsequently led him to manage several national teams. A former manager of the Romanian national team, he has also taken charge of the Belgian and Irish SOCCA national teams. This is a rare international experience, which he is now putting to good use in the Belgian project.
When asked what he is most proud of as a coach, he immediately cites two results achieved with Romania in SOCCA: third place at the European Championships and fourth place at the World Championships. These achievements immediately highlight the calibre of the man who now sits on the Belgian bench.
Why Belgium?
The choice of Belgium is by no means a coincidence. Burciu already knows a large part of the squad, having worked with these players whilst at SOCCA Belgium. It was precisely this familiarity that swayed his decision.
I know this team; they’re a strong, high-calibre side. That’s what convinced me to sign for them. When I first came across them, I realised I could work with them and fight to win this European Championship.
The coach had a strategy in mind. After observing the Belgian squad, he quickly became convinced that he could put it into practice here.
A demanding philosophy
On the pitch, Burciu advocates a comprehensive approach. Under him, there are no specialists confined to a single task: everyone attacks, everyone defends. Every player must master all phases of the game, both in attack and in defence.
The new manager has, in fact, announced some tactical changes compared with the previous team. His belief is simple: with a very solid defence, it becomes difficult to lose matches. It is on this foundation that Belgium will build.
In his view, two qualities are key to success in five-a-side football: discipline and tactical awareness. He places just as much emphasis on the mental aspect, which he considers to be one of the decisive factors. At crucial moments in a match or tournament, when the pressure is at its highest, he believes it is the mind that makes the difference.
He sums up his relationship with the group in a phrase that says a great deal about his approach:
I didn’t come here to boss them about. I came here to help them. And together, we must pursue the same goal: to win.
Tactically demanding, he also describes himself as a coach who is close to his players, capable of striking a balance between the two approaches depending on the situation. His ideal team can be summed up in three words: intelligence, commitment, discipline.
The goal: the EURO 2026 European Championship, and beyond
The immediate goal has been set. For the European Championships in Slovakia, Burciu is aiming for at least a top-four finish – and why not go for the title? He makes no secret of the challenge: preparation time is short. But his ambition, for its part, is crystal clear.
His vision, in fact, extends beyond the Slovakian tournament. The manager believes that Belgium has what it takes to challenge for the title in the near future, driven by genuine technical quality and intelligent players, some of whom have experience in futsal. With a project spanning two to three years, he says he is convinced that Belgium will be able to compete with anyone. His ambition is clear: to make Belgium a force to be reckoned with in Europe – and, why not, on the world stage.
There is one final message, addressed to the supporters. Burciu promises to do everything in his power to field the most competitive team possible at every event. In return, he asks for their support, both on social media and in the stands. Belgium’s new era is only just beginning.