Article by Cezar Titor – Published Friday, December 19, 2025, 11:45 / Updated Friday, December 19, 2025 11:45
After the nightmare in Athens, where Craiova University led 2-0, but it was finally turned back by the Greeksafter two goals scored in extra time, narrowly losing access to the Conference League play-off, in a context where the results were not favorable for them either, Rodion Cămătaru spoke about the state of the team and the causes of the elimination.
The former great striker described an extremely oppressive atmosphere when leaving Greece, the loss of qualification being a shock after the important advantage he had. He emphasized that the main problem is a mental one and expressed his hope that the end of the championship will provide time to recover, both physically and mentally.
Cămătaru questioned the refereeing and the unusually long duration of extra time, considering that Craiova University did not deserve to lose. At the same time, he suggested that the changes made at the end were not inspired, the responsibility belonging to the technical staff.
Rodion Cămătaru: “I never thought that the qualification could be lost”
“We are in the airport waiting to leave. The atmosphere is not the best, which is normal after such a defeat. Everyone is upset. I never thought that one could lose the qualification. We had a very big advantage and we didn't manage to protect it until the end, at least for a draw that would bring us qualification.
I hope that this result does not affect the team in the future, but usually such moments mark you. It's good that the championship is over: there is one more stage, then there will be time to recover, both mentally and physically. The problem is mental,” the former great striker from Banie told GSP.
6 trophiesRodion Cămătaru conquered with Craiova: 2 titles (1980, 1981) and 4 Romanian Cups (1977, 1978, 1981, 1983).
“The game was extended a lot, in a way that seemed strange to me. The Georgian referee made questionable decisions and prolonged the game for an inordinate amount of time. Things like this still happen here. Craiova would not have deserved to lose.
Probably the changes were not the most inspired either. I don't know how the coaches saw the end of the game, but they take full responsibility. When you lose in such a manner, it means that the changes have not been successful. Coelho was not inspired,” he added.
