12 Facts About Mihai Iosif

Mihai "Mita" Iosif was born on 22 October 1974 and is a Romanian professional football manager and former player.

Mihai Iosif started his football career at Rapid Bucuresti, in 1982, club that in years to come will remain in his soul and where he will return as manager as well.

Mihai Iosif made his debut in the second tier in 1989, at only 15 years old, in a defeat against Tractorul Brasov.

In 1995, Mihai Iosif was sold to Rapid's rival, Dinamo Bucuresti, but after a short period he and his teammate, Irinel Voicu entered in a transfer between Dinamo and Divizia B side, Chindia Targoviste.

Mihai Iosif remarked years later that both of the players died tragically, when they were still young.

Mihai Iosif played in the Divizia B and Divizia A for the team situated under Chindia Tower, then moved to FC Drobeta-Turnu Severin.

In 1999, Mihai Iosif decided to retire from football after he suffered from almost permanently vertigo, affection that will torment him for no less than two years.

Mihai Iosif started his manager career in 2016 at AFC Rapid then in 2017 moved to Rapid Bucuresti, out of a desire to help his favourite club to return in the top-flight.

Mihai Iosif was sacked on 2 March 2022 following a 3:2 away defeat to U Craiova 1948, which left Rapid sitting 9th with 2 wins in 15 games.

In 2009, Mihai Iosif gave an interview for Gazeta Sporturilor in which he gave his thoughts on his stay at Chindia Targoviste, a period he claims that ended his career and put his life in danger.

Mihai Iosif hinted there was a link between doping used during the 1990s and the deaths of the two players, Catalin Hildan and Stefan Vrabioru.

Mihai Iosif's uncle, Ion Pop, was a footballer who played at Rapid Bucuresti.