Daniel Pancu (48 years old) clapped hands with Rapid and will take over for the second time the technical bench of the club where he made history as a player. In Giulești, Pancone does not want to come alone, but with two people he worked with at CFR Cluj.
It was a full day for Daniel Pancu. CFR Cluj announced on Wednesday the parting with the coach who took over the team from the 13th place and took it to the Conference League, so that the technician would then shake hands with the heads of Rapid.
Daniel Pancu, the new coach from Rapid!
The other day, Victor Angelescu, the minority shareholder in Giulesti, announced that “99% we are in agreement with Daniel Pancu”.
In the last few hours, from the information obtained by Gazeta Sporturilor, Pancu and the management of the white and cherry team have finalized all the details. Țucu and Pancu clapped, and the coach is to be officially presented as the new A1 from Giulesti.
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The former Rapid forward coached the team in the lower leagues, and this summer he returns to the club of his heart. He accepted the proposal of the white-cherries, where he will return after 6 years. Pancu was A1 in Giulesti between 2018 and 2020. Then he worked at Poli Iași, Romania U20 and Romania U21. From November 2025 he was at CFR Cluj.
Daniel Pancu wants two people from the staff of CFR Cluj
In his new formation, Daniel Pancu proposes to work with two people he also had in the Transylvanian staff.
According to GSP.ro sources, Pancu would like Cristian Dragotă (physical trainer) and Mihai Ștețca (goalkeeper coach), following which Rapid will try in the coming days to make the moves requested by Pancu.
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Mihai Stetca (45 years old) has been at CFR Cluj since the summer of 2023. He has also worked for teams such as Poli Timișoara, FC Botoșani, Petrolul, U Cluj and FC Voluntari. He was a goalkeeper at Gaz Metan, Târgu Mureș, Turnu Severin and FC Maramureș.
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Cristian Dragota (40) is the former physical trainer of the national team (2022-2026). The current term at CFR Cluj, his third, began in February 2017, after those from 2010-2013 and 2014. He also worked at APOEL Nicosia, ETO Gyor, ASA Târgu Mureș and Petrolul, collaborating with names such as Dan Petrescu, Vasile Miriuță, Paulo Sergio, Ioan Andone, Alin Minteuan, Mircea Rednic. Throughout his career, he did several training courses at Stuttgart, Inter Milan, Juventus, AS Roma, Napoli, Lyon, Porto, Anderlecht or Watford.
Cristian Dragota
The first 4 measures announced by Pancu at Rapid
During the GSP Live show on Tuesday, Daniel Pancu revealed his intentions since the beginning of his mandate.
A new system
The most important move that the new technician prepares is of a tactical nature. Pancu would like to abandon the 4-3-3 module, used most often by Gâlcă in the recently concluded season.
“I was really thinking about the 3-4-2-1 system, which I played with Mircea Lucescu at Beşiktaş. At Rapid, I played 3-5-2, also with Mircea, with Răzvan Lucescu 3-4-3. It is taken into account, yes. I talked twice with Dan Șucu. At first I saw him sadder, angry, dejected, but the second time he was really ready to fight again”, stated Daniel Pancu, at GSP Live.
Peace with the stands: “The first relationship that needs to be resolved at Rapid is the one with the supporters”
Another hot point on Daniel Pancu's agenda is managing the relationship with the supporters. Lately, and in the context of the poor results, Giulești fans moved away from the favorites: the stadium was no longer full, and the players were booed copiously at home matches.
“The first relationship that needs to be resolved at Rapid is the one with the supporters. Without supporters, without understanding, without unity between leaders, supporters and players, things are very difficult to achieve. I don't know exactly what the reason is, the bone of contention there, I have no idea, but it's felt, without asking,” the technician added.
I don't accept mediocrity, and Rapid is in a sort of mediocrity at the moment. I wouldn't accept that at Rapid. These finished matches and “Let's go home because we have ticked off another match or training” – these things I do not accept at all!”
– Daniel Pancuat GSP Live
“I want 5 transfers. 5 starters!”
Pancu asked sports director Marius Bilașco for 5 transfers!
“Bilașco also knows the profiles of the players. I talked with Marius. He went to Portugal to see players for Rapid. We will have to bring in new footballers, 4-5 starters, half a team. The character of the players matters a lot to me as a coach. I'm starting from the idea of team spirit, that's the basis,” said Tuesday's GSP Live guest.
Bet on young people: “The club has invested a lot”
In addition to acquisitions, the new project in Giulești will also include the promotion of young players.
“Rapid has many young players, who return in the summer, whom I know. The club has invested a lot these years and unfortunately for him, he has not reaped anything. Rareș Pop, El Sawy, Ignat, Ungureanu are returning. There is an interest from the owner to use young players, I heard him talking about this aspect”, concluded Daniel Pancu.
Daniel Pancu returns to Rapid, photo: Imago Images
Daniel Pancu at Rapid:
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He collected 230 matches and 75 goals for the White and Cherry in the championship only;
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won 6 trophies with Rapid – one title (1999), 3 Romanian Cups (1998, 2002 and 2006) and two Super Cups (1999, 2002);
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coach of the team between 2018 and 2020, when he promoted Rapid to League 2.
