# Oțelul Galați coaching staff changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/oelul-galai-coaching-staff-changes
> Updated: 2026-09-28T08:09:21.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Following a 2-3 home defeat against Corvinul Hunedoara, Oțelul Galați dismissed head coach Stjepan Tomas and his coaching staff. Tomas, who had led the team for 19 matches, expressed frustration with officiating decisions, stating that errors made him “very sad for Romanian football.”

To replace Tomas, the club officially appointed 48-year-old Portuguese manager Rui Duarte. Duarte signed a contract through the end of the current season, which includes an option for a one-year extension. His technical staff includes assistant coach Neca, physical trainer Frederico Carmo, and goalkeeper coach Cristian Moldovan. Duarte, who has experience with SC Braga, Farense, Casa Pia, and Brazil’s Athletic Club, noted that English will serve as the official language of communication within the team. 

Duarte is expected to make his debut on October 10 against FCSB. At the time of the transition, Oțelul Galați held 14th place in the Superliga standings.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Oțelul Galați appoints Rui Duarte as new head coach

Oțelul Galați has appointed Portuguese coach Rui Duarte to lead the team through the end of the season. Meanwhile, pundits discuss Gică Hagi's strategy following Romania's 2-4 loss to Bosnia.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oelul-galai-appoints-rui-duarte-as-new-head-coach

### 2026-09-21: Oțelul Galați dismisses coach Stjepan Tomas

Oțelul Galați has parted ways with coach Stjepan Tomas following a 2-3 loss to Corvinul Hunedoara and intense criticism of officiating errors.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oelul-galai-dismisses-coach-stjepan-tomas

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Cite as: Oțelul Galați coaching staff changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/oelul-galai-coaching-staff-changes