Article by Cezar Titor, Tudor Belivacă – Published Monday, 04 May 2026 23:06 / Updated Tuesday, 05 May 2026 00:26
Daniel Pancu said that he is sure that his team secured a presence in the first 4 teams in the championship. Pancu also talked about the chances of the title, but he says that they are minimal.
Daniel Pancu: “I committed it and later I had problems”
“We committed it in their goal and then we were in trouble. We had a chance. Popa made some good interventions. It could have ended badly for us. Fatigue built up. A big, very important win. We secured 99.99% presence in the top 4 teams of the championship, which means at least a Conference League playoff. The goal was to get three points and we got them.
We still have a 1% chance of the title, it's in the game, but they squandered their chances last night in the last minute. We have a direct game with Craiova. More than one shot on goal space I did not succeed with them. The objective is to get two shots on goal in the upcoming match. Let's at least beat them at home. I did not find his weak point. They have possibilities, they have lots. They are the team that has to win the championship on what investments they have made. There is still the FCSB, but it is no longer on this side of the championship. Compared to the investments and the quality of football, they are the team that should win the title and I think they will”, said Daniel Pancu during the flash interview on the Fotbal Club show on Digi Sport.
About returning to Giulesti, Daniel Pancu said: “There were other coaches who were well received at Giulești. It's been 6 years since I left, we dominated all our opponents, we played well. There were a few games when he didn't want the ball to enter the goal and they fired me. I'm convinced that I will return”
On the atmosphere at the team and his contract: “I can't control myself and I have these reactions on the bench. These come when I tell you something three times and you don't understand. Only then do I show myself. I don't like to have these reactions. I have claims. It's the championship final, it's fatigue. Earlier a manager told me: “Put my mistakes on video and shoot me, Mister”. That's what he told me. It's mental fatigue and pressure. We've come a long way and mistakes are normal, but today I made big mistakes.
If we qualify in Europe, the contract is automatically extended for another two years. I have a special relationship with the players, the atmosphere is good, I like it here. There are less than three weeks left and we hope to finish this championship with more dignity. We have to stay away from Dinamo. I don't do calculations, I don't like to do them. I hope we get two shots on goal with Craiova”
I've caught the atmosphere like that on Giulești before. From the most beautiful stadium on earth it becomes the ugliest. You can still hear it heating up. The players knew and we took advantage in the first half. I've had moments like that too. And when I was playing well I had moments like this. It's a very demanding audience. You must know this.
-Daniel Pancu
Daniel Pancu's statements at the press conference after Rapid – CFR Cluj: “The hardest phase related to the contract…”
“From the moment Nsimba scored last night, our chances for the title automatically dropped to 1%. We got three points today, the important thing is that we still have these chances. Craiova is only fighting with U Cluj. We are far away, we have a direct game, they have an extra day of rest, they have a large and valuable team, they make the difference with the players coming from the bench. We are trying to do more in Craiova, being the only team we have not been able to beat. It's complicated, we hope to be more inspired this time.
It's also true that we haven't lost at home since I've been a coach here. It's frustrating to be in Dinamo's position. I understood that, according to the rules, the goal could not be disallowed, but the offside is an obvious, big one. We still have to play for 3rd place, we are playing at Dinamo, a lot can happen. They have a match against FC Argeș. We have a chance at 3rd place, that's all we can say. I looked at the contract two weeks ago: they decided to fire me if I don't win the play-out. I didn't take into account that all the other teams earn their points.
The coolest phase of the contract would be to win the championship and not get a bonus. That would be the coolest, I would be so happy if we didn't take anything. I made more mistakes, Rapid needs a spark. They gave us big problems after that. At one point, I was happy with even. I also experienced many moments like that at Rapid, those are the bad times. Just as it's the most beautiful atmosphere possible when things are going well, it's just as complicated for players who aren't used to criticism and criticism.
It's harder for the players. I have met Rapid for the fourth time since I have been at CFR, and in Cluj it is easier to prepare for the match. Today I had a very strange mood, but it's a stadium that brings me luck. I have four victories against Giulesti and I am very happy for the players and the club. I had three matches here with the national youth team.
I don't comment. There are three weeks left. One day, it will probably be my turn. I am a founding member of this Rapid, I went on the road with the supporters and with the support of the Sector 1 City Hall.
There is no question that I would get the same treatment, the Giulești supporter is like that. I watch all the FCSB matches, I hope we don't get there, even if we play in Gruia“, said Daniel Pancu at the press conference after the match.
The up-to-date standings in the Superliga play-off
