During a live appearance on GSP Live, Florin Lovin, a two-time champion with FCSB in 2005 and 2006, addressed the challenges facing his former team following their elimination from the Conference League by FK Auda, with an aggregate score of 3-7.
Loving remarked on the importance of a supportive environment for players to perform at their best. He also criticized the high salaries in teams like FCSB, which he believes contribute to a lack of motivation.
He was not surprised by the team’s exit, citing the atmosphere within the squad. Lovin stated that from the moment Marius Baciu was appointed head coach, the project seemed destined to fail.
Lovin: “This is no surprise to me”
“I have always been the type to defend players. Their performance is a result of what’s happening above them. A player who performs well needs a comfortable environment, one where they can give their all, along with a little pressure,” Lovin explained. “I have never agreed with high salaries. When you earn between 15,000 and 40,000 a month regardless of your performance, it fosters a sense of complacency.”
He added, “Everything at FCSB, from the coach to the owner, is upside down. Why should we be surprised? For many, this is a surprise, but for me, it is not.”
Lovin Critiques Baciu’s Appointment
“Before the UEFA match, I was on GSP Live, where I said I wouldn’t bet my life on it, but I believe this project with Marius Baciu cannot succeed. There is no basis for expecting anything good to come from it, and I stand by that.”
Lovin criticized Baciu’s lack of coaching experience, questioning the potential for transformation within the team. “What are we hoping for? That Marius Baciu, who has never coached anywhere, suddenly turns FCSB into the Romanian champion and dominates in European competitions?”
He continued, “Unlike others, I take responsibility for my statements. Fortunately, I am not active in Romanian football, so I can say whatever I want. When watching sports shows, journalists often say one thing, but when Gigi Becali comes on, they change their tune.”
“I divide Marius Baciu into two: the person and the coach. The person is my friend, and we worked together at a television station; we have commented on matches together. Coach Baciu, however, has disappointed me personally. At FCSB, there is no athletic merit. When you appoint a coach, you take on the athletic merit. I cannot say for certain, but I am convinced this project is a failure. I have no doubt that FCSB cannot achieve anything in this setup,” Lovin stated during his appearance on GSP Live in May 2026.
“I have worked with many coaches at FCSB. That is why Hagi left; when Mr. Becali wanted to intervene, things fell apart.”
He expressed that with the money invested, FCSB should have won ten consecutive championships, not just two. He finds nothing wrong with the owner’s involvement with the team but believes there is a line that should not be crossed. “There is a difference between being involved and dictating change from in front of the television,” he concluded.
When Edi Iordănescu was the coach, the team played well and held the top position, but Becali did not allow him to intervene. “It’s all about power; if you succeed, great, if not, then you don’t,” he added.
VIDEO: Lovin Discusses FCSB’s European Cup Exit
