Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published Friday, February 27, 2026 23:14 / Updated Friday, February 27, 2026 23:27
Radu Constantea, the president of U Cluj, went live on TV after his team secured their mathematical qualification for the play-off, following a 4-0 victory over Oțelul Galați, in a match in stage #29 of the Superliga.
The official from U Cluj addressed several hot topics: the objectives of U Cluj, the play-off fight and Gino Iorgulescu's statement that set the Superliga on fire.
U Cluj has achieved its goal! Radu Constantea: “We had a good journey since Cristiano arrived”
“Yes, we met our goal. That was our goal this season. We started harder and at one point we didn't look very good and we weren't convinced that we could do it. We have had a good run since Cristiano arrived. We are happy to have succeeded and strengthened our position in the play-offs after last year's qualification.
There were emotions during the match. It was very important for us. We had a good run and it was a shame not to be able to enter the play-offs. For us, it was also important from a financial perspective. There are certain bonuses that we receive in the play-offs. It helps us a lot in the next negotiations. We speak differently, we have a different visibility. And the players have bonuses and the organization of matches, but overall, we are on the plus side from this perspective“, Radu Constantea transmitted to Digi Sport Special.
I followed Cristiano even before he went to Rapid and we had discussions. We were not at the level to allow ourselves to compete with teams like Rapid. I watched it and thought it fit. Neluțu Sabău proposed it at his first decision not to continue, I mean the moment when we lost the Cup final in Sibiu. It was the first option he proposed and we called him together. It was in the summer of 2023, if I'm not mistaken. Neluțu also recommended him.
– Radu Constantia
The objectives set by U Cluj in the play-off: “Victory in all 10 matches. It can be participation in a European cup”
Radu Constantea didn't talk about a fight for the title, but he stated that U Cluj aims for victories on the play-out line, European cups and even a trophy. The “red caps” remained engaged in the Romanian Cup.
“U Cluj wants to win all 10 matches and we will have a very good position. The play-offs were a goal, just like last year, but now it can be participation in a European cup. The disappointment remained that we didn't make it past a round in the European cups. There was also that match in Sibiu. Maybe if we played in Cluj Arena we had better chances. For us it is very important because we left League 4 and reached the European cups. I think we are the first club to leave League 4 and achieve that. We're looking on the positive side of things, but we wanted to at least go one lap.
A problem remains for us, there are concerts at Cluj Arena. It will be an extra pressure for us to pass more rounds to be able to play at Cluj Arena. This situation will remain. It is not up to us to find solutions. Events are scheduled in advance. We try to understand all the parties involved, they are important to the community.
I had a brief chat with Bergodi. I congratulated him, I thanked him. We are focusing on the next match in the Romanian Cup. We hope to win and stay in the European competition goal on this road as well. We are also focusing on this goal. This version is easier, there are three matches. We want to win a trophy. We don't have many trophies. I was close, but it's certainly a long way,” Radu Constantea said.
Radu Constantea, about the play-off fight and Gino Iorgulescu's statement: “From the perspective of a kibit you can make such a statement, from the perspective of the president of the LPF no”
The official from U Cluj also commented on Gino Iorgulescu's statement which caused a stir among the Super League fans. He said that the teams have to lose from a financial perspective if FCSB is not in the play-offs. The Romanian champion is engaged in the fight for a place in the first 6, and U Cluj will play against her in the last stage.
“The players are focused the players on the game with FCSB, we have a clear objective, we want 54 points. The pressure is off. We will go with confidence and we will have a very good match. We did not have refereeing problems in today's match, it was very good. I have a goal not to comment too much on the refereeing.
From the perspective of a kibit you can make such a statement, from the perspective of the LPF president no. I think it was an uninspired statement by Gino Iorgulescu. I had a discussion with him and he explained clearly. FCSB brings in additional ticketing revenue, but that's not what matters. If they play in the play-out it brings extra income for the play-out teams. We have the best earnings with CFR AND FCSB. A play-off without FCSB can help you and have a better place at the end and earn from the TV rights. Gino Iorgulescu called me and explained the context for that statement. I don't think it was on purpose,” Radu Constantea said.
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