Rivals on the field, neighbors in Bucharest » Two key players from Rapid and Dinamo see each other daily in the block

• Dinamo – Rapid will take place on Sunday, from 20:30, at the National Arena, in stage #13 of the Superliga. The match will be liveTEXT on GSP.ro, broadcast on TV on Prima Sport 1 and Digi Sport 1

Claudiu Petrila said the things that should be improved in the team's game and named the weekend rival who can cause them problems.

VIDEO. Claudiu Petrila turned the Dinamo – Rapid derby on all sides, in an interview for GSP: “I think we leave with equal chances”

– Hello, Claudio! How do you characterize the start of the season for Rapid?
– So far, very good start of the season for us. We are in 2nd place, tied on points with first place. We are very good in defense, we are good in attack, and so far everything is going very well for us.

– Where do you think there is room for improvement?
– I don't know, I can say that after we score we have to improve our team play. I think that's where we have to work, let's not pass at the back, because there is a risk of conceding a goal.

– Rapid has the best defense this season. Is this your biggest asset right now?
– Trophies are normally won with a very good defense. In attack we are good, we have players who can score from any phase, so it is important not to concede a goal.

– How important is defensive safety to offensive play?
– It is very important for the team to know that we are covered at the back, and that we, in front, can do what we know, even if we miss a ball or two, knowing that there is support from the back.

– The match with Dinamo is coming up, how do you see this game and what does this derby mean to you as a Rapid player?
– It's an important derby. I'm sure it will be a beautiful match, a derby both on the pitch and in the stands. We noticed that our fans will also be present in large numbers. They will push us from behind and we will fight for them in this match.

– Do you feel a different motivation than the other parties?
– Yes, even if it's still a match, it's a derby after all, but there are still three points at stake and we have to focus on that.

– Dinamo and Rapid are two teams in form this season in the Superliga. Which one is your favorite?
– I think we leave with equal chances. We both have a good game, a beautiful game. We want possession, we want to score as many goals as possible, I think it will be a very balanced match.

Petrila named the most dangerous player from Dinamo: “We are also in the same scale”

– Who is the Dinamo player who needs the most attention? Which is the most dangerous?
– They have some good players in attack. For example, Stipe Perica, we sit in the same scale. We met many times. He is a very good boy and I think he is a dangerous striker.

Stipe Perica, in Slobozia – Dinamo/ photo: Cristi Preda (GSP)

– Musi from Dinamo was injured, but you also have problems with injuries. How do you see this situation?
– I heard about Musi's injury. He was in good shape. I don't wish anyone to go through injuries, even if we are going to play against them. I hope he gets better as soon as possible and comes back stronger.

– How do you like the fight from above? Who are the main opponents for you?
– I don't know if it's time to talk about it, even if CFR and FCSB are behind. I'm sure they'll be back, they've got a really good batch. I think it will be like every year, tough competition.

After the first 12 stages, the owner of Rapid made his self-criticism: “I started modestly”

– What are your goals this season? Do you have goals related to goals, assists or a return to the national team?
– Every year I want to be better than the previous season. I want to beat my numbers. At the moment I started the season more modestly, I didn't score much, but I think my game has improved recently and I'm on a good way.

Claudiu Petrila / Photo: Ionuț Iordache (GSP)

– How is your relationship with coach Costel Gâlcă?
– Very good. From the first day he explained to me what I had to do and how I had to play in the system and with his ideas. I understood well and I think we have a very good relationship.

– Do you feel that he gave you confidence?
– Yes, just like all the coaches so far. They always gave me confidence and courage. It's the same now.

– He is a coach who insists on discipline and intensity. Do these things matter a lot to him?
– Yes, he really likes the intensity and having clear rules to understand and follow. That's normal.

– It seems that Rapid supporters have completely adopted you. How do you feel the energy in Giulesti?
– When we play at home, the atmosphere is incredible. And when we play away, they're behind us, and that's great.

– How much does their energy matter in difficult and tense moments?
– When we need it, I think it matters the most, whether we need to score a goal, defend better or mobilize, their support pushes us from behind.