Daniel Pancu, the coach of Rapid București, expressed his satisfaction after leading his team to a 2-0 victory over Corvinul Hunedoara, marking their fifth consecutive win in the Superliga. The match took place in front of 7,328 fans at the Giulești Stadium.
This victory boosts Rapid’s confidence ahead of their upcoming derby against FCSB, situating them second in the league with 27 points, just two points behind Dinamo, the current leaders.
Pancu Reflects on Winning Strategy
Pancu noted, “I am very pleased; it was exactly the match I expected. We aimed to avoid conceding any goals.” He explained that the team’s strategy involved playing cautiously and later adjusting their build-up play to push the full-backs higher up the pitch, a change he deemed crucial for their success.
Discussing Alex Dobre, the scorer of both goals, Pancu stated, “For any striker, scoring is important for confidence. We have considerable individual quality, and while it may take time for us to play a cohesive game, I am confident we can maintain this positive momentum.”
He remarked on Corvinul’s physical condition, saying, “Stojilkovic was fatigued, losing many duels. Their fitness level is high, having played on Friday, while we played later on Monday.”
Looking ahead to the derby against FCSB, Pancu emphasized its significance: “This match is highly anticipated by our supporters. We have a week to prepare and expect a strong opponent, regardless of their current standings.” He added, “A month ago, our situation was different; we now have the momentum to pursue victory.”
Regarding his swift exit to the locker room post-match, he explained, “I have completed my mission, allowing the players to enjoy the moment with the supporters; there was nothing special in my departure.”
Pancu on Future Challenges
After the match, Pancu acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “While I was pleased with certain aspects of our performance, there was a risk of complacency after our winning streak. We won deservedly today, even though our opponent created some significant chances.”
He dismissed the notion of a direct competition with Dinamo, opting to focus on his team’s development. “We are not competing with Dinamo but rather with ourselves to enhance our gameplay. The matches will become increasingly challenging, and we must rectify our mistakes to succeed moving forward.”
Final Thoughts on the Upcoming Derby
Pancu remarked, “Every game is a test, but the derby against FCSB is particularly special. We must approach it seriously and be in optimal condition.” He discussed Dobre’s performance, indicating that a mindset focused solely on scoring could hinder his effectiveness. Pancu recalled his long history with Rapid, reinforcing his familiarity with the supporters’ expectations and the pressures that come with the role.
Concluding his remarks, Pancu highlighted Onea’s impressive form, acknowledging his contribution to the team’s success and optimism about achieving a more cohesive unit by early next year. “Despite our challenges, we continue to win, which speaks volumes about our team’s quality,” he stated.
Current Superliga Standings
