Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Saturday, December 13, 2025, 8:19 p.m. / Updated Saturday, December 13, 2025, 8:19 p.m.
The Moldovans remain in an excellent position in the ranking, while the Pitesti team continues to collect points in the race for a play-off that seemed like science fiction at the beginning of the championship.
Valeriu Iftime, after the draw with FC Argeș: “We wanted to beat them until the end”
After the final whistle, Valeriu Iftime (65 years old), the owner of FC Botoșani, analyzed the game and admitted that he was afraid of the confrontation with FC Argeș:
“A good team, Arges. I was afraid of this match. We wanted to beat them until the end. It would have been logical to win.”
Iftime emphasized that the position in the ranking is not a conjunctural one and recalled the key moments of the game:
“We don't win by accident. We also had the big chance in this match, they had two balls in the crossbarbut we have a good goalkeeper. That's what I think, as I'm not a specialist.”
Our striker, Kovtalyuk, got injured with Dinamo and we are no longer able to score. But even at home with Rapid it's hard to be efficient. I'm still thinking how that kid missed out. May God not knock today, let Petrila hit the goal just like he did with us”Iftime said, laughing.
The Moldovan boss praised Hervin Ongenda, despite the poor performance: “Without him, we have little chance to win”
Valeriu Iftime noted Ongenda's modest evolution and his importance in the team's game:
“I think he had a weaker day, Ongenda. He had two phases…he hit with his heel, with his left straight…that's how I used to hit in my village when I was playing. Without Ongenda we have little chance of beating a team. When he's not fit, we have a problem.“
Iftime admitted that FC Botoșani needs reinforcements in the offensive department:
“I need a striker, another strong one. Ongenda has so much football in him. He gets to training on time, he's not late.”
Valeriu Iftime also spoke about the striker “removed” from Rapid: “We are interested, but I don't give money”
The boss of the Moldovans also commented on the rumors related to a possible transfer. Antoine Baroan, the striker who came into conflict with the technician Costel Gâlcă, could be a solution for FC Botoșani:
“Baroan is a good footballer, a top player as Leo Grozavu wants, but I don't speak to tell Leo who to take. I don't want to exceed the limits. We're interested, of course, and I don't think we're the only ones, but I don't think the Rapid gives it. At this moment we can do anything, let's take it with money, and free, but I don't give money to Baroan.”
Finally, Iftime talked about the club's situation and possible offers for players.
“We don't have discussions because we don't have a market. We have the best moment in our history and I want to take it seriously. Maybe a big sum is coming and you can never say no to a good offer“, said Valeriu Iftime, at Digi Sport.
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