In his inaugural press conference with Rapid, Daniel Pancu stated, “Moruțan will play only on the right.” This comment raised questions about Dobre’s role. Could Dobre be leaving, or does he have a place in the team? While these questions linger, Pancu has already demonstrated his capacity to maximize player potential, notably in a challenging match against CFR Cluj.
Olimpiu showed great attacking freedom on the right flank, receiving the ball face-to-goal, while Alex energetically patrolled the opposite side. Both players appeared confident and unrestrained, which marks a significant advantage for Rapid at the beginning of the season.
Pancu’s Winning Frequency
In their match against CFR, Rapid did not impress with possession or technical finesse, but rather with their intensity, effective second-ball contests, and won duels. They applied pressure high up the pitch when they sensed vulnerability in their opponents, and displayed patience when retreating was necessary. The team was able to maintain an aggressive line near the opponent’s penalty area and managed the game effectively to defend their lead while remaining open to counterattacks.
No coach in the Superliga currently orchestrates a team’s sense of rhythm quite like Pancu does. His teams may not be the most intricate, but they play at a frequency that opponents feel in their legs, right to the last tendon. His players showed tenacity and fight. However, the initial enthusiasm can be misleading; Rapid’s squad has been pieced together over time and lacks cohesion, having not been constructed from scratch. Future matches may test their ability to sustain this intensity, but that is an issue for another day.
Rapid is showing that they can earn their points through hard work. In Romania, there is little tolerance for showing fear, especially in Giulești. Regardless of the situation, the team has always prioritized direct plays over passing sequences. Pancu is well aware of this, which is why the team generated numerous such opportunities throughout the match.
Looking ahead, Pancu’s influence will soon be tested in the goalkeeping department. Both Marian Aioani and Bogdan Ungureanu have notable weaknesses that could impact the team’s performance. Among all positions, the goalkeeper is perhaps the one where a coach’s skills can have the least effect, or even negligible impact. Time will tell.
In a post-match interview, Grameni referred to Pancu as “Mr. Mystery.” This spontaneous remark, albeit humorous, reflects the duality Pancu embodies within the locker room. Despite his seemingly straightforward approach, he possesses a deep understanding of the team dynamics.
While Pancu has yet to transform Rapid into a completely different team, he has restored its competitive edge, which often signals the beginning of something promising. How long he can maintain this momentum and what will happen at the first setback remains to be seen. However, the focus for Rapid remains firmly on the present.
