Article by Justin Gafiuc, Alexandru Stanciu – Published Friday, October 17, 2025, 1:59 p.m. / Updated Friday, October 17, 2025, 2:08 p.m.
Mircea Lucescu (80 years old), the selector of the Romanian national team, reacted exclusively for Gazeta Sporturilor, following the “attack” coming from the coach of Craiova University, Mirel Rădoi (44 years old).
The Olten technician declared himself stunned by the discussion between Lucescu and Gigi Becali, before FCSB – Universitatea Craiova, a match that ended with the 1-0 victory of the titular champion.
The financier of FCSB revealed that he was called before the match by Mircea Lucescuwho wished him success, something that bothered Rădoi terribly, as he declared in a press conference:
“I didn't believe, until I checked for myself, that a Romanian coach could have such a statement, where he calls another patron and says that he would like one team to win at the expense of the other. I find it shocking and that's all I can say!”
Mircea Lucescu. PHOTO: GSP.ro
Mircea Lucescu reacted after Mirel Rădoi's statements: “I was wrong when I said I respected him”
“I am very surprised that Rădoi joins the chorus of those who denigrate me. I was not and will not be against Craiova. And I am the last person who could be accused of being with Steaua.
I have said many times lately that the University has a great opportunity to win the title this season. Did you hear about this statement? Or did he hear when I said I respect him and appreciate the work he does as a technician?
Radoi must understand that, beyond professional relationships, there is also a human side. In this sense, I wished success to Gigi, as he also does before the matches of the national team. A matter of cordiality and civility, practiced everywhere in the world!
I try to be fair and kind to everyone, and some people end up taking notice without any sense. Can't we have personal relationships anymore? Radoi proves to me with this that I was wrong when I said I respected him.
To say that I made a mess seems to me a form of denigrating myself, as has been the case with many voices in recent months”, said Mircea Lucescu, for GSP.ro.
I did not believe, until I checked for myself, that a Romanian coach could have such a statement, where another patron calls and says that he would like one team to win at the expense of the other. I find it shocking and that's all I can say.
It seems to be something normal. I got the link, I read it. I have never encountered anything like this until today. I understand that you support a team, but you can't do it like that, on your face, you can't come out and say you want the players from one team motivated, when you also have players from the other team.
But we are moving forward. I told you, it's one more thing we'll use as motivation for the players. All these things will do nothing but strengthen us. As a selector, I did not even allow myself to call the players without the consent of the clubs. There was no such thing. But everyone does as they think.
You shouldn't be in Romanian football anymore! I take it upon myself when I say this, regardless of the consequences, because football is not on a good trajectory in Romania at the moment. We can't grow football when we start with messes like this. We have no way!– Mirel Radoicoach University of Craiova
