“Are you sacrificing the match with U Cluj?” » Zeljko Kopic, asked directly about the game that could decide the Superliga champion

Ashley Davis17/05/2026

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Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Saturday, 16 May 2026 23:44 / Updated Saturday, 16 May 2026 23:46

Zeljko Kopic (48 years old), the coach of Dinamo, drew the first conclusions at the end of the draw with CFR Cluj, score 0-0, from the 9th stage of the play-off. He spoke in particular about the Conference League tie, the last and most important test for his team.

After not being able to win with CFR, Dinamo is sure that it can no longer climb to the 3rd place, the one that leads directly to the Conference League. It will play off, on May 29, with the winner of the first play-off, FCSB – FC Botoșani.

And Zeljko Kopic and his students treat this match with utmost importance, which could secure the ticket for the European cups. In this context, the Croatian was asked at the end of Saturday night's game if he would sacrifice the last stage of the play-off, with U Cluj, a match that could be of particular importance in the fight for the title, if the Transylvanians do not lose on Sunday evening, in Craiova.

Zeljko Kopic's reaction at the end of the “white” draw with CFR Cluj

“We tried to be better offensively, to destabilize CFR's defense, but we weren't dangerous, we didn't manage to open the scoring, that's why we also sent Boateng up front, to force something. CFR had a very good defense, when we opened up in the end they had a great opportunity to score.

We have to analyze, it's a good season, it's an increase compared to last season, we played some very good matches, but to have a clearer conclusion we'll talk after the tie.

I don't like to make excuses, to talk about players who are not with us, but today I felt that we missed some players, Karamoko, Mărginean, Opruț, Pușcaș also left, it was difficult.

We have to manage the situation, take care of each individual, try to count on them in that match. We are trying everything that depends on us, it is difficult, Karamoko has started to move, to be better. Now I feel the team, I feel the players, they all want to be ready for that play-off match, to give the team everything they can at that moment.

(no Do you sacrifice the match with U Cluj?) Sacrifice… there are no sacrifices, we have to see how we are, who we are, it doesn't matter who will be on the field, he represents Dinamo, we have to be very competitive. We are, with all due respect to both teams (no FCSB and FC Botoșani), thinking about what we are doing, to be physically and mentally prepared for that match.

(no commenting that the 7-8th place could go to Europe) It's a way to make the championship interesting until the end, the teams can feel the competition, we can't talk about what's good and what's not good, I knew from the beginning of this season, my concern is for this match”, said Zeljko Kopic, after the match, on the show “Footbal Club”, from Digi Sport.