A day before the duel between the University of Craiova and U Cluj, the first two ranked in the Superliga, Gabi Balint prefaced the game.
Present at the launch of the Panini album, dedicated to the 2026 World Cup, Gabi Balint spoke about the game that can decide the champion. He analyzed the duel in the Cup final, won by Craiova on penalties, and talked about how he thinks the match on “Ion Oblemenco” will be.
VIDEO. Gabi Balint prefaced the match Universitatea Craiova – U Cluj, which can decide the Superliga champion: “The Oltenians are favorites”
“I think that Craiova University is the favorite. I said that U Cluj will win the Cup, and Craiova will win the championship. My prediction didn't work out. Well, it was a penalty. But now Craiova is playing at home. It matters a lot. The stadium will be full and the world is ready. Morale is better. I see a pretty slim chance for U Cluj.
Plus, in the Cup final, U Cluj seemed afraid to attack. Craiova had the initiative and reached the opposite goal. U Cluj was too timid, only on the counterattack. If you want trophies, you have to assert yourself.
Craiova was the most consistent and spectacular. Lately the performance has decreased, but if we look at the whole championship, it is the team that deserves it“, said Gabi Balint, who coached at CS Universitatea Craiova between March and June 2014.
Europe is far for us. In the third competition, division C, we can stand out. But the Europa League and Champions League are far away. If you don't bring in players and invest a lot of money, it's hard to beat. Look what's in the West. The difference is too big.
– Gabi Balint
