“Too sensitive, too whiny. We've forgotten where we came from”

The Cluj derby, CFR – Universitatea, score 3-2, was intensely debated not for the goals or footballing qualities, but for the scandal of proportions at the end of the game. It is already very well known about the brutal exit of Cristiano Bergodi, the black and white coach having a falling out with the “railway” player, Andrei Cordea.

The echoes of the confrontation have not yet ended, especially since the Italian coach also risks a drastic suspension. If Daniel Pancu, the coach of CFR, also had a nervous breakdown during the flash-interview, there were specialists in domestic football, including ex-Dinamo player Ionel Danciulescu, who had drastic opinions, according to which Bergodi should be dismissed by U Cluj after the gestures at the end. Detail firmly rejected by the “Red Caps” management.

Traian Marc, lifelong fan of CFR Cluj: “I do not agree with the exaggerated demands regarding the termination of Cristiano Bergodi's contract!”

Former player of CFR Cluj, Traian Marc, now 43 years old, is of the opinion that Cristiano Bergodi's situation is analyzed too drastically and is artificially amplified, to the maximum. The former goal-keeper practically won a trophy for the “railroads” in 2016, the Romanian Cup, in a final with Dinamo Bucharest at the National Arena. With an exceptional evolution in the penalty shootout.

Traian Marc was the hero of the Romanian Cup final in May 2016, when he contributed decisively to CFR Cluj winning the trophy

“The Cluj derby was a spectacle in the truest sense of the word. An intense match, with rhythm, with emotion, with goals, which reminded me of the strong matches of the past in Romanian football. We need such matches in the championship, because this is the only way players can grow in value, mentally and physically.

The atmosphere in the stands was excellent. The CFR Gallery and the fanatical supporters of Cluj University created the framework of a real derby. It is known that, historically, U Cluj is the most loved team in the city, but on Saturday night the CFR supporters were up to the task and played an important role in this well-deserved victory.

I also really liked U Cluj. It's a team that plays awkward, hard-to-beat football, a team that is a serious play-off contender. She was taken over at a difficult moment by Cristiano Bergodi, a coach I know well and who lives the matches at maximum intensity.

Unfortunately, the end of the game was overshadowed by a regrettable incident. Bergodi is known as a volcanic, passionate coach, but what happened at the end crossed a line and it is not normal for a coach to come into direct conflict with players of the opposing team. I'm sure he realizes in the cold that he overdid it.

However, I do not agree with the extreme demands that appeared immediately after the match, such as the termination of the contract. It seems to me that, lately, Romanian football has become too sensitive and too full of complaints. We forgot where we come from,” Traian Marc began his speech in an intervention for Gazeta Sporturilor.

50of matches Traian Marc collected for CFR Cluj, in 23 games keeping his goal net untouched

Categorical reaction: “We can't turn every nervous outburst into a national scandal!”. Comparison with Serie A

The former goal-keeper continued his speech along the same lines.

“Let's remember the real derbies, the times when the presence of people like Marius Lăcătuș, Ioan Andone, Victor Pițurcă or Sorin Cârțu, Cosmin Olăroiu, Gabi Stan and many others, commanded respect without the need for explanations.

Those times created derbies and created footballers. Back then, you played hard, you raced to the point of exhaustion, and the salaries had nothing to do with today's. And yet, that football gave us values.

I repeat clearly: I do not agree with what Cristiano Bergodi did. OK, the horse jumped. But we also can't turn every nervous outburst into a national scandal. Football is a man's sport, a sport of emotion, passion and tenacity. We need real derbies, not sterile football, politically correct and devoid of fire, passion.

I repeat very clearly: I do not agree with what Cristiano Bergodi did and I strongly condemn this gesture. It was an overreaction and regrettable. But at the same time, I think we have to be fair and say that such moments also happen in much bigger houses.

A few months ago, in the Italian championship, Antonio Conte had an extremely harsh altercation with Lautaro Martínez in a Napoli – Inter match. That doesn't excuse anything, but it shows that tension, nerves and uncontrolled outbursts are sometimes part of high-intensity football, regardless of the championship or level,” the former footballer said.

Traian Marc sees two assets for the revival of CFR Cluj: Iuliu Mureșan and Daniel Pancu

“Before any analysis related to the derby or the incidents at the end, I think it was natural to talk about football and the results. CFR Cluj is going through an excellent period, with seven consecutive victories, and this clear return in the fight for the play-offs, and even the title, is not accidental at all.

The main factor that is felt is the return of Iuliu Mureșan to the head of the club. We are talking about a strong man, respected, with results, a man who is part of the history of the CFR and who is highly appreciated by the players and the people of the club.

His absence was felt and his return brought stability, direction and authority. Lately I have been in contact with Mr. Mureșan by phone, I congratulated him on everything that is happening at the club and I wished him success from the bottom of my heart. I say this from the position of a former CFR player and a man who will remain a Ceferist for life.

Another extremely important element is the installation of Daniel Pancu as head coach. Although he is a young coach without an impressive CV at club level, Pancu quickly managed to establish himself in the dressing room. The decision not to take Ciprian Deac, the legend and emblem of the CFR, to the winter camp was a clear signal that there is a hierarchy and that technical authority is not negotiable. Regardless of whether or not there was an internal understanding, the message was received, the locker room understood, and the results came.

However, I am glad that, later, Ciprian Deac returned to the team and is part of the squad for the official matches. This is what a healthy club looks like: discipline, but also respect for its values”, concluded Traian Marc.