Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Friday, 03 April 2026 23:08 / Updated Friday, 03 April 2026 23:38
FCSB was defeated in Botoșani, score 2-3in the opening of the 3rd stage of the play-out. The Moldovans equaled the leader in the play-out on points, and Marius Croitoru, the home team's coach, spoke at the end about the team's change in attitude and the confidence his students showed on the field.
The Moldovan coach highlighted his team's solid performance and highlighted the fact that the victory came amid a much changed attitude compared to previous matches.
5,174 spectators were in the stands of the “Municipal” from Botoșani, where Onegnda, Mailat, Olaru and Tănase put their names on the list of scorers.
Marius Croitoru, after Botoșani – FCSB 3-2: “I owe everything to them”
“The important thing is that we won and we did it in a way, without offending anyone, because I have a lot of respect for FCSB and Mirel and I don't want to appear without common sense. I think we were good today, if not much better compared to FCSB.
The team showed that they really want, a big change of attitude compared to the last match in Sibiu. At home we are very good, but away from home we respect the opponent too much. The credit goes to the boys. At halftime I talked to them and I believed in it.
If in Sibiu my halftime speech didn't move anyone, now it was easy for me to speak at halftime, after a superb first half, and in the second half I don't even speak anymore. I owe everything to them, they have the power to put into practice what I am trying to convey to them. This is what I want: a team that dominates its opponent, regardless of the opponent”, said Croitoru, at Prima Sport.
What Croitoru said to the players at halftime
Croitoru also revealed the message sent to his students at halftime, explaining that he felt the confidence needed to turn the result around.
“At halftime I told them to have faith that we are coming back. In this match it was easier for me, because I could see that they had strength, confidence in themselves and it was easy for me to return them.
This is what I want: to have the supporters with us, not to have supporters of the result. We have to understand that this team is the emblem of the city, and even if we don't have many reasons to be proud, this team should be a standard of pride for all the people of Botoşani. They contributed to this victory.
No, why should there be a break for the boys? We have a game, we want to win, but it's clear that we have to change a little what away games mean. They had during this break those who were not in the lot. It's not a punishment, but we have work to do, there are new ideas. We will have a vacation in a month and a half, and I promise them that then it will be a longer vacation.”
VIDEO with the goal scored by Darius Olaru in Botoșani
- Video source: Prima Sport 1
