European Soccer: Ex-Haifa coach Levy set to take Unirea post

European Soccer Ex-Haif

By ALLON SINAI
Roni Levy is the favorite to be named the new coach of reigning Romanian champion Unirea Urziceni after agreeing to personal terms with the club on Thursday. Unirea was one of the surprise teams in the Champions League group stage this season, finishing third in Group G with eight points. The Romanians missed out on a place in the last 16 by a single point, but progressed to the last 32 of the Europa League where they will face Liverpool. The team is also currently in second position in the league standings, only trailing CFR Cluj on goal difference. Despite all its recent success, coach Dan Petrescu decided to quit the club last Saturday, opening the door for Levy. Levy resigned from his position as Maccabi Petah Tikva coach just over a month ago after a disappointing year at the club. However, it is Levy's time at Maccabi Haifa which will get him the job in Romania. He led Haifa to three consecutive championships (2004-2006) and also guided it to the last 16 of the UEFA Cup in the 2006/07 season. In other soccer news, Nir Klinger was appointed as the new coach of Cypriot club Nea Salamis Famagusta's after being sacked by AEL Limassol earlier this week. Klinger, who led Maccabi Tel Aviv to the league title in the 2002/03 season, has coached in Cyprus since 2006, guiding Paralimni, AEK Larnaca and AEP Paphos before joining Limassol.