subsequently, he took control of fcm bacău in divizia a. however, after a disappointing season, dumitrescu resigned in may 2003, leaving fcm bacău in the relegation zone. dumitrescu again went to cyprus, this time as a coach for apollon limassol. by playing the italian defensive system catenaccio, they won 12 of their first 13 matches and dumitrescu was named the best manager in cyprus for the year 2004. dumitrescu soon moved on to his 6th club side, being named manager of the greek side aek athens fc in february 2004.