Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Sunday, 17 May 2026, 12:10 / Updated on Sunday, 17 May 2026 12:10
Nicolae Grigore (42 years old), former player of Rapid Bucharest and current coach of Gloria Bistrița, spoke about the situation of Daniel Pancu, the technician currently on the bench of CFR Cluj.
The former midfielder analyzed Pancu's possible future and did not rule out his return to Giulesti, where he wrote history both as a player and as a coach.
Nicolae Grigore, about Daniel Pancu: “He has a good chance of coming to Rapid”
Grigore spoke openly about the recent discussions with his former colleague and said that he does not see him continuing at CFR Cluj.
“The last time I spoke with him was before the match with Rapid. Honestly, I don't think he will continue at CFR. I saw his statement last night and I didn't know that. I know that at some point he will want to become the coach of Rapid, because he deserves this.”
Nicolae Grigore, in the Gazeta Sporturilor studio
The former international also recalled the period in which the two worked together in the lower echelons of the club from Giulesti.
“He came when things were not… We were in the third league, we were training in Regie… We were together then. 100% will leave and has a good chance of coming to Rapid. I haven't spoken to Pancu for two weeks, he said he has other offers, but my feeling is that he will come to Rapid.
Rapid needs someone who can be confused with history, the supporters need something like that”, said Nicolae Grigore at Digi Sport Matinal.
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The two were colleagues in several periods at Rapid, including in the 2011-2013 seasons, and later they also collaborated from the position of second coach, when Pancu was the main staff member of the Giulești team.
