Article by Gabi Glăvan, Mihai Șovei – Published Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 2:08 p.m. / Updated Wednesday, December 10, 2025 2:22 p.m.
On December 18, it will be one year since Dan Șucu became the main shareholder of the team Genoaone of the most traditional clubs in Italy.
On the occasion of the one-year anniversary of coming to the management of the club, Dan Șucu gave an extensive interview in the Italian press, in which he draws conclusions about the period at Genoa.
Dan Țucu, one year after Genoa: “I was afraid that everything would be worse”
Dan Șucu gave an extensive interview for the Italian publication lsecoloxix.it.
The Romanian shareholder believes that the first year was positive, but admits that he expected to encounter financial problems.
“The first year was positive, I was afraid that it would be worse, everything would be more difficult. A fear of debt. No company can expect to survive long with costs 30 million higher than revenues. We aim for sustainability, but the focus is on sports performance.
We are waiting to finish the legal battle (no with American Capital, which claims that it actually owns the Genoa club and did not approve any sale to Dan Șucu), but we are serious people.
A capital increase of 40 million euros avoided freezing the transfer market and reduced the enormous debt. The first step is consolidation, then I will be ready to be a partner for the quality leap“, said Șucu at the beginning of the interview.
Țucu took control of the Genoa team by subscribing to a capital increase of 40 million euros.
“It was a promise made. And if you make a promise, you have to keep it. We are not politicians elected every four years, but business people, elected every day based on what we do. Yes, the transfer ban was avoided, the debt was significantly reduced, and this now allows us to continue investing.
New partners? The first step is consolidation, getting a sustainable debt. At the moment, there are no financial problems and I believe that in a few years, staying in Serie A, we will reach the normalcy that has been missing for too many years.
Then, at that point, we will be at a crossroads, and if there is a partner with the money and the footballing expertise to make a significant leap forward, I will be ready to ask for help. Of course, if your property is contested in court, this creates pressure and potential partners ask you what is going on. We are waiting for this legal battle to end. For now, the decisions have been favorable for us”, he continued.
Dan Şucu / Imago Images
Şucu spoke about the separation from Vieira
On 20 November 2024, Vieira was announced as the new head coach of Genoa following the sacking of their former manager, Alberto Gilardino. Genoa were 17th in the table when Vieira took over and just one point above the relegation zone, but finished the season safely in 13th place. However, things haven't been as good for the former France great this season.
Due to poor results, Vieira was released on November 1.
Dan Șucu also spoke about the moment of the coach's departure from the team, but also about the installation of De Rossi on the bench.
“Vieira is a great coach. It was a very difficult choice, but we need results. In other fields of activity, you have more time to correct mistakes. Here, every mistake is very costly. You have to be faster. And if you give it your all to get a result, you expect to see results.
By Rossi? We talked a lot with him, he instilled confidence in us, he knows exactly what to do. The team bonded with him immediately. There is unity, everyone gets to work early in the morning, they feel involved. De Rossi gave us extra energy. I like the way the team plays. But honestly, I really enjoy winning. Let's hope that we will continue like this”, said Șucu about the two coaches.
Dan Șucu and Patrick Vieira / Facebook Genoa CFC
Sucu didn't forget Rapid
During the interview, Dan Șucu also spoke about the Romanian club where he is a shareholder, Rapid Bucharest. He emphasized the fact that the team from Giulesti has gone through many failures in recent years, and at this moment the club has no more debts. Another important thing that the shareholder emphasized is the relationship that the two clubs are gradually developing.
“Rapid Bucharest's objective is to qualify for European competitions. The fans at Rapid are very enthusiastic, just like at Genoa. The club has been through setbacks but is now debt free. The last championship was won 20 years ago, we are trying to instill a winning mentality. Romanian football is growing rapidly, increasingly competitive. Over the past three years, audiences, both in stadiums and on television, have grown by 20% per season.
Gradually, the synergy between Genoa and Rapid will increase, including in the exchange of players, and this will help. The two sporting directors are already in constant communication. At Rapid, we also invested massively in the infrastructure for the academy, for the first team, but also in social responsibility projects, to allow young Romanians to practice sports. You have to give back what you received”, added Dan Șucu for the previously mentioned source.
Dan Şucu / Imago Images
