Article by Adrian Jitea – Published Friday, 06 February 2026, 00:58 / Updated Friday, 06 February 2026 01:06
Marius Croitoru (45 years old), free contract coach, believes that Matei Popa (18 years old), the FCSB champion goalkeeper, has a bright future.
Matei Popa was an integralist in FCSB's victory over FC Botoșani, score 2-1. The young goalkeeper took advantage of the chance he received, forced into the first 11 based on the U21 rule. He had a safe performance, he took out two important balls and impressed Marius Croitoru. The accolades flowed during the GSP Live Special.
Marius Croitoru, at GSP Live Special: “Pop has a beautiful future!”
“I think Anestis is the fittest goalkeeper in Romania. One more thing… with this kid in goal, Popa, I think there will be big problems for his colleagues, for the other two goalkeepers. He has a bright future, he is a safe, talented goalkeeper, mature beyond his age.
The child is very talented. And against a team like FCSB, it is clear that the opponents cannot create many chances. The kid was also a bit lucky tonight, but talented and good. I don't know if they will have the same approach with other teams, with U Cluj or Craiova. I don't know if they will risk that much.
So far, it's proved a winning move. What is important is what will happen in the next stage. Things can get very complicated or they can be simplified. Oțelul is a very good team, in Galati there is also a narrower field, you can close much better.
FCSB can beat anyone, they can string 5 wins in a row without any problems. And with Popa in the gate, yes! It will be tough indeed if they miss like they did tonight. We have to take into account that a single defeat in these matches drastically reduces your chances”, opined Marius Croitoru, on GSP Live Special.
Pop it was also praised by financier Gigi Becali. He congratulated him for the two interventions and revealed that at the moment he doubled his salary, but that a more consistent increase would follow from next season, if he is established in the first team.
For Matei, it was the second match for FCSB seniors. He lasted without conceding a goal on his debut, in 1-0 win against Csikszereda.
It was a big mistake when they let Musi go. He covered an entire lane, he was all over what an under player meant at FCSB. Now, they have to make up for what they did. It seems to me a huge mistake to let Musi go free. They probably thought they had someone to replace him with. It didn't work out for them! There are still people who say that white is black, but you cannot compare Musi's and Politic's developments this season
– Marius Croitoru
VIDEO WITH THE GOAL. The execution by which Darius Olaru decided the FCSB – FC Botoșani match
- Video source: Prima Sport
