Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Friday, 29 May 2026, 23:51 / Updated Friday, 29 May 2026 23:57
The Red-Blues coach praised the reaction of the players after the dramatic 4-3 victory against FC Botoșani in the semi-final and explained that the success in the derby came primarily due to tactical organization and team spirit.
Marius Baciu, after Dinamo – FCSB 1-2: “I think I lived these moments like a player or I can say like a captain”
“I needed two games, yes. It was something special for me, honestly. I think I lived like a player these moments or I can say like a captain. I felt them like in my time, when I was playing football and I was in a difficult period, when you don't need a coach, you need a dressing room.
The boys responded tremendously. We needed peace, we came at a difficult time and I think we raised our level. We were already coming after 120 minutes with Botoșani and we tried to leave the opposing third free and group together very well. We also had problems with Botoșani because we tried to take them from above.
I'm satisfied and now we don't need much analysis, we don't need it today, but absolutely all the players rose to an extraordinary level. We won two games in overtime, that means I understood some things, even though in Botoșani we conceded a goal in the last minute and you are afraid that everything will go wrong, but we had a good reaction.
Today, with Dinamo, who had a good course and season, we tried to be organized, to close the lanes. I knew they were impatient, that they were looking between the lines. Even if in the second half we didn't do the right thing, I think fatigue also played a part.”
Marius Baciu: “Tavi had an ankle injury before the match”
The coach revealed that Octavian Popescu developed with medical problems and explained why he had to replace him at halftime.
“This, what's his name, this little guy, Tavi, had a good game, but he had a knock on his ankle before the game and I was afraid. I didn't have a real peak, but I'm very happy. I don't think FCSB deserved not to be in Europe, even if it was a bad season for the fans, but what an emulation we had!
I've been getting messages of encouragement from guys all over the world, I don't even know how they got my number. We needed that spirit that we can win any game.”
The technician had words of praise for several of the players who contributed to the qualification.
“Ofri Arad was also prepared for this position. We didn't have a peak, Olaru and Tănase didn't train 100% and then any player who has an intelligence… and I see Ofri as an intelligent player. Even Thiam came in extraordinary.
And they came in and forced the lanes with fresh players. I also felt Risto, he had a load. I saw Armstrong go in from the left and hit the goal, and Pantea made an exceptional game.”
“I don't have to be “Mister”, I'm Marius”
At the end, Baciu conveyed that the main credit for the qualification belongs to the players and emphasized that the experience gained by FCSB in such matches was seen in the decisive moments.
“I'm here willy-nilly, but I think the players understood what it means to have a winning spirit. I don't have to be “Mister”, I'm Marius. Mr. Lucescu is a mystery, may God forgive him. And the boys respected their assignments.
I wouldn't want to be in their soul (no rivals). I respect both Dinamo and Rapid, but when you play against FCSB, things change. In one match our experience was seen. We had chances to score, but we didn't have that freshness. I wasn't 100% even with those from Botoșani”, said Marius Baciu during the flash interview from Digi Sport.
