Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Thursday, April 30, 2026, 7:48 p.m. / Updated Thursday, April 30, 2026, 7:52 p.m.
Claudiu Niculescuthe current coach of Union Sloboziaa team in the fight to avoid relegation from the Super League, spoke about the affinity he still has for FC University of Craiovathe disaffiliated team in 2011, and provided several stings to the CS team University of Craiovapatronized by Mihai Rotaru.
Although he was insulted by Olten fans for “betraying” by leaving for Dinamo, Niculescu does not turn his back on his former team in the identity war in Bănie. It is not the first time that Niculescu claims this.
Claudiu Niculescu, “stings” for the Superliga leader: “I would like U Cluj to win the title”
The current technician of Unirii Slobozia spoke about the race for the title and said that he would like the trophy to reach the University of Cluj, but admits that the University of Craiova starts with the first chance.
“It's a fight just like relegation to winning the title. To be honest, I would like U Cluj to win the title. I spent the end of my career there. Craiova has the first chance, Craiova University has the first chance. They have a very valuable team, a good coach. That's why I'm 3 points away from Cluj now, there are still 4 stages to play.
They also have the option of finishing tied on points. I would be happy if U Cluj wins, but I want to be realistic. They have the first chance. I see them capable of taking the event, why not.”
Claudiu Niculescu: “I feel more attached to FC Universitatea Craiova”
“I've said it several times, I wouldn't want to create a controversy, I was more attached to FC Universitatea Craiova (no disaffiliated team in 2011), which I don't even know where it is now, unfortunately. So I don't follow very closely what is happening with the University of Craiova (no CSU Craiova). Between the two, I feel more attached to FCU Craiova.
I have no idea if the team will come back, I would be happy. You'd better ask Mr. Mititelu, because he has exceptional conditions there. I was in their base and saw something exceptional. I would be happy for him to come back, but it doesn't depend on me”, said Niculescu, according to digisport.ro.
Claudiu Niculescu, 3 years in Banie
Claudiu Niculescu played at FC Universitatea Craiova for almost 3 years, during which he scored 41 goals in 93 matches. During his career he also played for Drobeta Turnu Severin, FC Caracal, Dinamo, Genoa, Duisburg, Omonia Nicosia and Cluj University.
Throughout his coaching career, since 2012, Claudiu Niculescu has trained several teams, including Bihor Oradea, Damila Măciuca, Râmnicu Vâlcea, CS Mioveni, FC Voluntari, Dinamo, Al-Tai, Concordia Chiajna, Poli Iași, Șelimbăr and Slatina.
