Article by Daniel Grigore – Published on Sunday, 08 March 2026 22:46 / Updated on Sunday, 08 March 2026 22:48
On the day he turned 54, Costel Gâlcă, his coach Rapiddeclared himself satisfied with the way his team showed against the leader Universitatea Craiova, in draw from stage 30 of the regular seasonscore 1-1.
Rapid was led in Giulesti, but managed to equalize to keep the difference of 4 points from the leader. After half time, the white and cherry will have to recover two points to be crowned champions.
Coach Costel Gâlcă declared overall satisfied with the way his students played, although he feels that the construction game did not work at optimal parameters.
After 1-1 in Rapid – Craiova, Costel Gâlcă promises: “We will look much better in the play-off”
“Thankful for our attitude. We lacked more consistency in the build-up, to attract them more, to be able to play between the lines, but overall it was a balanced game. Overall, we played a good game. We lacked in the build-up to attract them, to look for their spaces behind the defensive line.
There were few opportunities as two good teams with valuable players met. The tactics and attitude of the two teams were very good.
We will look much better in the play-offs, for sure. The matches will be very balanced and will be decided on tactical details and individual qualities.
What I want is the confidence to play more, to be able to have possession, to hold on to the ball, to control games in difficult moments.
Without pressure you cannot attract the opponent, so that you have more space either between the lines or behind the opposing defense. That's why you have to be much more patient”, said Gâlcă in a flash interview at PrimaSport.
What wishes did he set for himself today, on the day he reached the age of 54?
“First of all, I want to be healthy. Second, to give satisfaction to the fans and the entire Rapid club. For that, I always want all matches to end well.”
Costel Gâlcă says under what conditions he would beat Rapid for the title
Finally, Gâlcă was also asked about the statements of his students. Claudiu Petrila and Alexandru Dobre transmitted that they feel capable of winning the title.
“If we have this attitude, and with more confidence when we have the ball, to be able to manage the situations much better, we will definitely fight for the title”, reacted Gâlcă.
