Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Friday, 06 February 2026, 20:59 / Updated Friday, 06 February 2026 20:59
Claudiu Niculescu (49 years old) returned to the Super League at Unirea Slobozia, occupying the 14th place, and gave his first reactions, talking about the squad he has at his disposal, what is coming next and the goal of saving the team from relegation.
This season, Niculescu coached Slatina, in League 2, and took Andrei Prepelita's place at Slobozia. The former striker hasn't coached in the first league since 2018, when he coached Dinamo, being dismissed after only two matches, replaced by Mircea Rednic.
VIDEO. Claudiu Niculescu, first conference as a coach at Unirea Slobozia: “A team with stability”
The former winner of the Romanian Cup and Supercup with FC Voluntari had his first press conference at the formation from Ialomița:
“I came to this club with hopes and a lot of confidence, even though I haven't been here very many times. I was as an opponent and I knew what I would find here. Thanks to all the management for the welcome. Time is short, an important match awaits us tomorrow.
I knew where I was coming from. A team with stability, a very important thing in Romanian football, a team that is suffering now, and I am confident that we can get the team out of the danger zone of the ranking. That's why I came, because I'm confident and together with the staff and the players we can achieve the goal that remains, that of saving us from relegation from the Second League. I am convinced that we will succeed in this, let's see how, directly or through the dambut we will certainly do what is up to us.”
Claudiu Niculescu: “I only know them from the matches on TV”
The technician admits that he didn't have time to get to know his players:
“I had little time to know them, I only know them from the matches on TV. It won't be easy, but it won't be impossible either. With a lot of desire, attitude and the support of the supporters, let's manage to win the points at stake tomorrow, points that can give us another motivation for what's to come and give us good morale.
I could not make a full and fair assessment of the players in the squad, that I can tell you at the first break of the championship or in a few weeks. They are all keen, but their quality remains to be seen.
I will never blame the past or transfers. Once I've made this decision, I'm responsible for the team's decisions going forward. I don't want to talk about transfers. I have 20 or so players at my disposal, whom I am training and I will clarify their qualities”, said Claudiu Niculescu, during the press conference.
Niculescu, debut against Dinamo
Claudiu Niculescu will make his debut at Slobozia against his favorite team, Dinamo. The two teams meet on February 16, in the 27th stage.
Throughout his career, Niculescu also coached teams such as U Cluj, FC Bihor Oradea, Damila Măciuca, Rm. Vâlcea, Mioveni, Voluntari, Dinamo, Al Tai, Chiajna, Poli Iași, Șelimbăr and Slatina.
