Article by Alexandru Stanciu, Cosmin Nistor – Published Saturday, March 21, 2026 22:55 / Updated Saturday, March 21, 2026 22:59
Andrei Coubis, brought by Cluj University at the beginning of the year, became the undisputed starter in the “red caps” jersey and was called up by Mircea Lucescu to the Romanian national team for the World Cup qualifier against Turkey. The centre-back spoke afterwards the victory from Mioveni, against FC Argeș, score 1-0.
In the 82nd minute, Căbuz made a huge error and was the author of an own goal, the very day Mircea Lucescu announced his call-up, in place of the injured Mihai Popa. It was enough for U Cluj to win and tie Craiova at the top of the play-off.
Andrei Coubis, after Argeș – U Cluj 0-1: “We are thinking about a big goal”
The defender of the “red caps” spoke about the victory achieved:
“A bit of joy, a bit of luck, that was the match. If you don't score, either this happens (not to score after a blunder by the opponent), or you play not to score. It was a bit of luck on our side and we brought the 3 points home.
Yes, we are thinking about a big goal, but we are taking it one game at a time. We don't think long term, we take each match individually, to win and take the 3 points. Our quality is that we all have the same thought, we are together, we fight for each other and that makes the difference”, said Coubiș at Prima Sport.
Andrei Coubiș: “I received the summons with great joy”
Three years ago, Coubiș, captain of Milan Primavera at the time, no longer wanted to play for Romania, choosing to represent Italy, the country where he was born and raised, as his father mentioned.
Now, summoned for the first time to the first national team, the defender spoke about this moment: “I came to Romania to fight for the national team. When they told me I would go there, I accepted with great joy and I can't wait to go to the national team.”
Asked by the reporter if it could be the best season of his career, taking into account that U Cluj is the leader in the Superliga, a semifinalist in the Romanian Cup, and he is on his first call-up to the national team, the defender answered: “God help it to be so! But, yes, it will be the best year of my career.”
I'm happy for him, let him walk with his head held high. He is a very good player, young, with perspective. He has very good developments and we hope with his help to take U Cluj where it belongs.
– Iulian Cristea, about the summoning of Andrei Coubiș
VIDEO with Cătălin Căbuz's own goal, which made the difference in the match
- Video source: Prima Sport 1
