FCSB – Petrol 3-1. At the end of the match that FCSB won at home, with Petrol, in the 6th stage of the Superliga play-out, Mihai Popescu (32 years old) analyzed what happened at the National Arena and gave an ironic answer when he was asked about the departure of Mirel Rădoi, a technician who deserted after 5 matches to follow a more convenient offer from the 10th place in Turkey.
FCSB had no emotions in the game with Petrolul and mathematically secured their place in the first round of the Conference League, being sure she can't drop below 10th until the end. After Friday's clear success, FCSB broke away in the play-out, keeping their first position at the end of this round as well, regardless of what results will be recorded in the following matches.
After the match, Mihai Popescu talked about how the last few days were in the heart of the red-blues, considering what happened, about the tie, about the possible opponent in the play-off and finally about the national team, a possible call-up and the reunion that would await him in the lot with Gică Hagi, his mentor, the man who turned him into a champion.
Mihai Popescu's reaction at the end of the victory with Petrolul
“It was perfect if we didn't concede a goal, it's ok, we fulfilled our duties, we had a good match. The important thing is that we kept the upward pass, from win to win, I hope we keep it like that until the end.
We woke up a little late, but it's good that we woke up. We have two play-offs to play to get to Europe, that's the goal, we're preparing every day as best we can, that's what we're working for. I can say yes, these are play-off games, but if we don't win them… I don't know how we are with the points, but we have to get there.
I didn't know that Mirel Rădoi was going to leave, but we also saw it in the press. Then he sent us a message. what can i say It was his choice. We are glad that we worked together, I hope that we did it well enough that everyone was satisfied. But that's football, everyone goes their own way. We have a job to finish here. We thank him for coming here to help us.
On WhatsApp we gave each other the message, goodbye and wishes that are said at departures. We too wish him good luck with the new team and see you again healthy.
(nr Is it hard for the locker room to get angry after what happened?) Well, we saw tonight if it was difficult for us or not. There are moments and moments these days in football. We had to be on the pitch, play a good game and we did.
We have to get past the first play-off match. All the teams in the play-offs are good, they had the title in mind, all chances. We're watching the games, but we've got work to do here at the moment.
It was a hard period for me, long, I accumulated a lot of appetite for football, I'm glad I can do it more and more. I worked with mister Hagi, but that doesn't change anything, I'm not a favorite or on the list. I know how demanding Mr. Hagi is, I have to do my job here and if I deserve it I will be there”, said Mihai Popescu, after the match, in the mixed area.
The best images from the match FCSB – Petrolul
VIDEO with the successful goal by Tavi Popescu, the first after almost a year
The ranking from the Superliga play-out
