“After that painful 4-0 in Cluj, we woke up!”

Starting with bad luck, after an injury that turned him into Pavlo Isenko's reserve, the season found the goalkeeper calmly waiting his turn. And when the chance came, Popescu became the decisive man!

In the final of the Romanian Cup, he defended the penalty executed by Iulian Cristea and brought the trophy back to Craiova, in a memorable night for the white-blues, in Sibiu.

And just a few days away, he showed safety, calmness and maturity again and won his second career trophy, in less than a week: the title of champion of Romania, becoming one of the heroes of Craiova!

– Laurentiu, congratulations, you are the player of the month of May. The Romanian Cup and the title of champion, how was this month for you?
– A perfect month for us, even if there were more difficult moments. I went through everything and I'm happy for these two trophies.

– Hero in the final of the Romanian Cup, how was the match, especially since you had that parade in front of Iulian Cristea?
– We were all heroes, because we fought to the end! We played 120 minutes and the team made a great effort. I'm glad that at that moment I helped my team.

“When you make a mistake, it's a moment you don't forget”

– The title of champion came, with 30,000 people in the stands.
– Something incredible! After 35 years, we brought this joy to Oltenia. We were extremely happy for the title of Superliga champion.

– You had a season that started with an injury, then you were Isenko's reserve, but you waited your turn.
– With goalkeepers, the chance comes harder, but I'm glad I was patient and believed in myself. When I was needed, I gave everything for the team.

– A year ago, it's hard to forget the match in which you made a mistake against Rapid. How difficult was it to get through that moment?
– When you make a mistake, it's a moment you don't forget. But all bad for good… I tried to take the positive parts from that blunder and I'm glad I stayed mentally strong. It is very important for a goalkeeper to be mentally fit. In time, you get over it.

– How much did your family help you?
– Very, very much! Everyone was by my side and always encouraged me.

“The defeat against U Cluj made us stronger”

– What was the most difficult moment you had in this Superliga season?
– The defeat in Cluj. That 4-0… A moment that left us with a bitter taste, but I'm glad we had the strength to get over it quickly and after that only victories came.

– It was also an alarm signal for you!
– Yes, normal. Any defeat that hurts… It made us stronger and that meant a lot to the group.

– What plans do you have for the future and how do you see the future for the University of Craiova?
– There was always pressure at Craiova University. I haven't thought about the future yet, we have time. We also have time for vacation, and then we will think about the future.

– Champions League, how does it sound?
– Sounds great! But it will be very difficult. For sure, we will cope and we want to reach as high as possible. I'm only thinking about the next game. That is the most important thing for a goalkeeper. Every match is different and everything changes from match to match.

“In a tight championship, we managed to make the difference”

– What is your main quality as a goalkeeper?
– Concentration! I give everything in every match and try to help my teammates.

– How did you like the current Superliga season?
– The tightest championship in recent years. It was nice for the fans and those watching on TV. I'm glad that, in such a tight championship, we managed to make the difference.

– Easily, easily, you entered the plans of the national team. How do you see the return of Mr. Hagi?
– Mr. Hagi was an extraordinary player, and now he is a coach. Certainly, every player wants to reach the national team. When I am called, I will enjoy it.

– Finally, I would like you to send a message to the supporters.
– We thank them for being so close to us and I am glad that we gave them this great joy. In the new season, let it be the same!