“I have to be honest with you” » Elias Charalambous didn't mince words when asked about FCSB's goal
Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 4:58 p.m. / Updated Wednesday, January 14, 2026 5:01 p.m.
Elias Charalambous (45 years old), the technician from FCSBprefaced the first match of 2026. From the training camp in Antalya, where the Romanian champion will stay until Thursday. The Cypriot drew conclusions after the training period, also talking about his departure Adrian Shut and this winter's transfers, repeating that he is not the one who decides which players come.
FCSB debuts in 2026 away, at FC Argeș, on Friday, January 16, from 20:00. The match will be liveTEXT on GSP.ro and on TV on Prima Sport 1 and Digi Sport 1.
“We had a very good training camp. The most important thing is that all the players are healthy, especially in the given conditions, with very hard training. The whole team is fine. The players had a very good attitude in training. All the staff are happy. But now we start the championship.
We play Argeș in two days. You know how badly we need points. There is a little bit left until the end of the championship, but we will take each match individually and hope to get all 3 points.
We are waiting to win the first game, we are taking it step by step. The objective of this club is always to win the title. I have to be honest with you, the only thing on our mind is winning the title”, Charalambous said at the pre-match conference.
Elias Charalambous is not waiting for a transfer
The technician also talked about this winter's transfers, waiting for Ofri Arad, a footballer who is going to become the new player of the champion, after parting with Kairat Almaty.
“There are rumors, especially during the mercato period. One of these names is the one you mentioned (no – Ofri Arad), but until it's official, we can't talk. Let's wait. We cannot talk about players who are not here and are being written about in the press. When I come, we will talk more.
I, to be honest, am very happy with the team we have. If MM and boss want more players, they are welcome. I'm not here to bring players. I'm here to train“, Charalambous also said.
Ofri Arad, midfielder of Kairat Almaty
Regrets after the departure of Shut
Charalambous also spoke about the departure of Adrian Șut, a footballer who this winter transferred to Al Ain, in the United Arab Emirates.
“I know we've lost a very good player, but if the offer is good for him and for the club, we're happy. I had a lot of talks with Šut before and after. He had in mind to take another step in his career.
He found a good opportunity and everyone is happy. The shot is history now, and we have to focus on the job at hand. I wish Adi the best of luck. He's a boy I like and I hope he succeeds in the new team.
Duarte, to be honest, is training very well. He showed his quality from the first match. You also saw the match with Beşiktaş. I knew from the beginning what kind of player he was. He has the qualities we are looking for at this club, and he adapted very quickly”, said the FCSB technician.
Dawa, thank God, did all the training with us without any problems. We are happy to have him back. He was unavailable for a long time, so we have to take care of him and take it step by step. He is a defensive option, he has to recover, but we are happy
– Elias Charalambous, FCSB coach
