Georgian midfielder Anzor Mekvabishvili, 25, is on the brink of leaving Universitatea Craiova after the return match against Ararat-Armenia in the Europa League playoffs. Mekvabishvili has recently received several significant offers and has reportedly decided it is time to part ways with the Romanian champions.
Gică Craioveanu, a former striker for the club, expressed his thoughts on Mekvabishvili’s potential exit, stating that this would be a significant loss for Universitatea Craiova. He emphasized the challenge Filipe Coelho would face in replacing such an impactful player.
Craioveanu Comments on Mekvabishvili’s Departure
Recent discussions have indicated interest in Mekvabishvili from Major League Soccer (MLS) and clubs in Western Europe. The next steps for the midfielder and the compensation Universitatea Craiova will receive remain to be seen.
“It’s a heavy loss for the team. A very, very big loss for Craiova. I’ve always said that you need an anchor player, a pillar in front of the defense, someone who not only recovers the ball but also covers the field well and has the ability to make the team play through passes. He has spirit; it feels like he has been here for a lifetime, as if he was born in Bănie. The atmosphere was sensational, with more than expected attendance of around 18,000, compared to my expectation of 12,000 or 13,000. How do you take advantage of the crowd? By the way you approach the game,” said Craioveanu.
Mekvabishvili has played 117 matches for Universitatea Craiova since his transfer, scoring 7 goals and providing 14 assists. He is currently valued at €2 million by Transfermarkt.
Craioveanu Suggests Baiaram Departure
Craioveanu also believes that another player, Ștefan Baiaram, 23, should be allowed to leave the club. Baiaram has faced criticism from some fans after expressing interest in a transfer, and his performances have not met expectations.
“I think Baiaram should be allowed to leave. First and foremost for his own sake; he seems to be under a lot of stress and tension. I regret the situation because he is one of my favorite youngsters, and I’ve watched him improve since he arrived at Craiova. Although his season start has been rocky, I trust he will perform better in the upcoming matches and move on for a good fee,” added Craioveanu.
The former striker also analyzed the team’s recent draw with Ararat-Armenia, highlighting the lack of aggression and defensive issues that the champions need to address.
“In the second half, we had a good ten minutes with opportunities when we pressed. However, I did not see the typical Oltenian toughness. Also, conceding goals match after match, starting at 0-1 in Europe consistently, is concerning. It’s due to certain mistakes. I turn a blind eye to set pieces. If you see that you are conceding goals consistently, you need to extend training sessions for those individuals. Players who mark man-to-man need to be more aggressive in controlling their opponents, not by striking but through strategic positioning with their elbows,” stated Gică Craioveanu.
PHOTO GALLERY: Highlights from Universitatea Craiova – Ararat-Armenia
