at the end of his career birtalan spent one year in italy as player-coach in 1985-86. after returning to romania he worked with the national junior team, and in 1991-1994 was head coach at steaua. in 1994 he accepted a coaching position in qatar. between 1999 and 2002 he again coached steaua, bringing it to the national titles in 2000 and 2001. in 2002 he retired from coaching due to health problems, and became a sport administrator.