Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Sunday, May 17, 2026, 3:02 p.m. / Updated Sunday, May 17, 2026, 3:23 p.m.
Lucian Filip (35 years old), the interim coach from FCSBheld the press conference before the match that the champion will play against him Hermannstadtthe last of the play-out. The match in Sibiu is scheduled for Monday, May 18, from 20:30.
The former player of the champion declared that he will use a different formula in Sibiu, to give chances to players who have not evolved much this season. He spoke about the arrival of a new coach at FCSB, but also about the importance of the Conference League qualifier.
Lucian Filip: “We decided to leave many players at home”
“We are meeting a team that will do everything possible to win, they will certainly do everything possible to stay in the Super League. From this point of view we have different objectives, because we want to see how certain players who have performed less perform, and I hope they do well.
Although initially we wanted to manage three players, following the physical reports we received from the last match, plus from the discussions with the players, we decided to leave more players at home.
We are a big club, a club that has valuable footballers, even if they haven't played. The boss has stated that he wants to see certain players, depending on the contracts they have, if they will extend or if they will stay“, declared Lucian Filip, during the press conference.
The interim technician of the champion stated that the match with Hermannstadt will be the last for him on FCSB's benchwith a Pro licensed trainer to be appointed in the coming days. He also talked about the possibility of Elias Charalambous returning to the team.
“My mandate expires after the Hermannstadt match. A Pro licensed trainer will definitely come. Even if another coach comes, we will stay here, we will stay with the players. We don't want to cause discomfort. We want to support the players as well as the new coach.
I have no sign that Elias will returnbut I don't think it would be right, from my point of view, to state that I would like Elias to come. I worked very well with him, but if another coach came, I don't think it would be nice for him to see such a statement from me. It's not normal to ask the players what coach they want. They have to respect what the coaches say, and these decisions take their lead”, he added.
Lucian Filip also spoke about the importance of the qualification play-off in the Conference League that FCSB will play in the company of FC Botoșani. The match will be played on May 23 or 24, in Ghencea. If she prevails in this match, the champion will play the decisive qualifying match on May 29, right on the field of rival Dinamo.
“The tie will be with a lot of pressure, taking into account that we had quite poor results this season, we are trying to straighten things out through the last matches. The players are impatient and waiting for the game, especially since the match in Botoşani was not as we wanted. Even if there are two play-out teams, it will be a play-off game.
“Even if there are two play-out teams, it will be a play-off match. The players will do their best to correct the wrong things from this season,” continued Lucian Filip.
Lucian Filip // photo: Andrei Furnigă (GSP)
The interim technician of the champion also spoke about the defender's situation Siyabonga Ngezana, who will miss South Africa's presence at the World Cupdue to an injury that has affected him in recent months.
“It is clear that he is disappointed. Football does not end here and I think it is very important that he respects his club, because thanks to the club he has come to the attention of the national team. I hope that he will be present at the next World Championship”, said Lucian Filip.
Play-out standings
