Article by Daniel Grigore – Published Friday, 08 May 2026 23:54 / Updated Friday, 08 May 2026 23:59
Daniel Pancu (48 years old), the coach of CFR Cluj, commented the white draw with the University of Craiovadeclaring himself very pleased with the way his team performed. He feels he could have attacked for the title if he had had a few more rounds at his disposal.
Defeated by Craiova in the play-off round, CFR Cluj kept it in check today, in a match that left much to be desired in terms of goal phases and suspense.
Daniel Pancu declared himself satisfied with his performance tonight and in the recent period, stating that he would have seen them capable of fighting for the title if there were more than two stages left to play.
Daniel Pancu: “If the championship had lasted a few more stages…”
“Awesome players, we finally had a game where we were better than them. There's no question, it's indisputable, at least in the second half. We had a closer team than the one I wanted to start with. I was saying I wanted to tire them out, then let's go with speed, reaction players.
There was also that penalty, but I understand that it was offside by 4 millimeters and that's why that penalty wasn't awarded. All in all, I'm very, very happy with tonight's game, which adds to our fantastic run.
We only need 1 point with Dinamo or 3 with FC Argeș to be mathematically in the European cups. We are close, we have not yet achieved this goal, but I believe that how we defend, if the championship had lasted a few more rounds, we would have been in a position to win the championship.
The players listened to me today. If they had been more receptive in the matches against them in Craiova, today we would have played with the trophy on the table.
But we have already won a championship by qualifying for the play-offs and we would win one more if we rank 3rd. So we win two championships in one season and we'll see from there,” Pancu told PrimaSport.
Daniel Pancu and the conditions to stay at CFR Cluj: “Daily salaries, a better training base and some top players”
Then asked about the rumors that give him as the future coach at Rapidului, Pancu made a reference to the recent statements of the president of Gruia, Iuliu Mureșan. He had claimed that the coach had promised him how “two million percent continue at CFR”.
“First of all, the most important details, which matter the most, are related to my promises for here. Both Mr. Varga and Mr. President Muresan are talking about 2 million percent, but neither continues “under other conditions”.
I see none of them said it: “under other conditions” means daily wages, a better training base and a few top players. So far none of these things have been completed and there are still two weeks until the championship ends. Two million percent, but under different conditions!
I did something that I don't think will exist for many years from now in Romania. I'm really asking those who still manage to do these things to call me.
I came straight into the den of lions; I even saw a quote somewhere and it suits me: because in life, at some point, a chasm appears in front of you. Whoever has the courage to throw himself into that abyss is saved. That was me. Here was a precipice.
It was a precipice, a haw, I don't know how to call it… everything was in a state of decay: people's faces, the mood, the atmosphere. Now it's sunny, the world is happy, the stadium is full, we are in 3rd place. This is the pure, pure reality!”, said Pancu.
Yes, I talked to Mr. Copilu yesterday. He wanted to know my situation. I don't know if it's already official at the club, we met here, in Cluj. I don't know further, there are people who have won so many trophies at this club. Even though I don't know them, they can only be great gains for the club.
– Daniel Pancu, CFR Cluj coach
