“An elimination from the Cup does not mean that you will lose in the championship” » The former great international, warning for FCSB: “It is decisive!”
Article by Cezar Titor – Published Friday, February 13, 2026, 1:56 p.m. / Updated Friday, February 13, 2026, 2:02 p.m.
Iosif Rotariu, 63 years old, five-time champion of Romania, finalist in the European Champions Cup with Steaua Bucharest, believes that the first episode Craiova – FCSB this week, ended in a tie, score 2-2, will not influence the duel in the championship, where the real stake remains.
The former international noted that the Oltenians showed more consistency, especially in the first half, and managed the important moments better. He says that at this point in the season for FCSB, the calculations are made primarily for the playoffs.
In his view, elimination from the Romanian Cup should not shake the morale of a team as experienced as FCSB, but Sunday's duel can weigh heavily in this regard. They expect a balanced confrontation, with a small plus for Olteni.
Iosif Rotariu: “Any team can be eliminated from the Romanian Cup”
“It was a balanced match, in which I think Craiova knew how to manage the situation well, as if they had a plus in the first half. All in all, it was a good match. I think the championship game will be different. Any team can be eliminated from the Romanian Cup, for them it is important to enter the play-offs. They have mental strength, they won the championship, they have valuable players and this strength. An elimination from the Cup does not mean that you will lose in the championship.
In such derbies, the tension is normal, amplified by supporters, managers, everyone. This is how a derby should be normal to me. I also know, from the time when I played such matches, that there was a lot of pressure, a tension, that's why football is beautiful”, Rotariu told Gazeta Sporturilor.
“It depends on what FCSB will do in the match with Craiova, many things will depend on that result. It is a decisive match. If they lose, it would demoralize them and it would be very difficult. If not, even in the event of a tie, they will have their chance, they are in their hands and they have to win until the end.
In such a match it is 50-50, but the University has an advantage because of the audience and because it is at the top of the ranking. The match will be balanced, there are two strong teams and I am sure we will see some beautiful football“, he added.
