Article by Remus Dinu – Published on Wednesday, 04 February 2026, 16:54 / Updated on Wednesday, 04 February 2026 16:57
Claudiu Niculescu has a clear path to Unirea Slobozia! Mario De Mezzo, the mayor of the city of Slatina, a character involved in the life of the second division, explained to Gazeta Sporturilor that at no time was there any question of blocking “Clau-Gol's” way to the Superliga. The #1 option to replace Prepelita at Slobozia, Niculescu is about to return to the limelight, after having coached only in “B” in recent years.
The only thing missing is the signing of the contract! Claudiu Niculescu, a technician who has been active in recent years only in the second echelon, is preparing to tick off a new experience on the first stage, almost eight years since Dinamo, the club of his soul, showed him the door after less than three weeks in office.
Intensely courted by Unirea Slobozia, the 49-year-old technician will more than likely sign with the Ialomi side, the goal being to save the team from relegation.
The mayor of Slatina does not hesitate: “We had an agreement!”
Mario De Mezzo, the mayor of Slatina, active when it comes to making an important decision at the League 2 club, reveals that he talked with Claudiu Niculescu and he totally agrees with the option for the coach to access a higher level.
“If he signs with Unirea Slobozia, no problem! I'm not just letting him go and wishing him well, I'm going to follow him, I'm going to come to his games.
And when Unirea will take Slobozia from the difficult place where it is in the upper part of the ranking, we go to the city to celebrate! I am by his side with everything I can, I support him.
There was no such problem (not to prevent the move in any way). I told him: “Claudiu, it's an extraordinary opportunity for you, there is no comparison between the visibility, experience and maturity you can have in League 1 compared to League 2”.
Claudiu and I had an understanding from the day he came to sign with Slatina. I told him like this: «Whenever you are called by a team that is relevant to your coaching career, I don't just let you go, I wish you success! And if you ever want to come back, Slatina is your home».
That was the discussion from the first day with him, I couldn't change my mind, on the contrary. He goes there with all our trust, the people of Slatina. Not mine, as mayor. You know, Claudiu is one of the citizens of Slatina that we are proud of, and Slatina is with him in this project that he is starting.
If, at some point, for various reasons, he wants to return, Slatina is his home, the door is always open”, said Mario De Mezzo, for GSP.ro.
Mario De Mezzo, mayor of Slatina / Photo source: Facebook
He had a discussion with me in which he said “Sir, I want to talk to you first, because we had a good relationship and I don't want to initiate discussions in other parts, and you don't know”. I told him: “Claudio, I wish you success!” From my point of view, he has my support in this step he is taking in his career, if the negotiations are successful.
– Mario De Mezzo, mayor of Slatina
Niculescu was on the bench of CSM Slatina since December 2024. The club is currently in 14th place in League 2, with 22 points after 17 stages.
