Daniel Pancu, age 49, has been honored with the title of “Coach of the Month” for September 2026 as he successfully guides Rapid to the second position in the league standings. His aim, shared by the team and its supporters, is to secure the championship title and earn a spot in European competitions.
During September, Rapid maintained an unbeaten record, achieving victories against Oțelul (1-0), FC Voluntari (2-1), and FC Argeș (3-1) in the league. This perfect run was complemented by a 2-0 win over Poli Timișoara in the Romanian Cup.
In an exclusive interview with GSP.RO, Pancu discusses the season’s progress, the integration of new players, and the challenges that lie ahead for Rapid.
“A wonderful month, filled with consecutive wins in both league and cup matches,” Pancu remarked. Following a setback against Dinamo in the fifth round, his team has only dropped two points at home against the reigning champions, Universitatea Craiova. Pancu expressed confidence in the team’s chances for a successful season, stating, “We aim to reach the playoff phase as a primary goal and ultimately aspire to qualify for a European cup.”
Pancu also shared the club’s and fans’ desire to return to European competition, emphasizing the long wait for such an achievement. He acknowledged the need for improvement in the team’s game quality, given the high number of new players, having utilized 27 in the first ten rounds.
Budgetary Considerations in League Performance
Addressing the competitive landscape, he noted that after a long season, budget often dictates success. “In 99% of cases, the budget makes the difference,” he said, pointing out that top-tier teams with larger budgets usually secure spots in the top six.
Reflections on Past Challenges
Pancu compared his experiences at CFR Cluj with Rapid, stating, “What I encountered at CFR Cluj is something I will never find again in my career.” He recalled the challenges of managing a diverse team with varying backgrounds and expectations.
Looking forward to October, which includes five matches, he acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming fixtures, particularly against U Cluj and FCSB. Pancu stated, “The challenge lies in maintaining our momentum and overcoming past declines in performance during this period.”
Receiving the Coach of the Month award holds significant meaning for Pancu. “It’s a wonderful trophy that boosts my morale and confidence, and I’m sure it inspires the players as well,” he added.
The nominations for the Coach of the Month award also included Nuno Campos (Dinamo) and Filipe Coelho (Universitatea Craiova), highlighting Pancu’s achievement in a competitive field.
Final Standings for September 2026
1. Daniel Pancu – 19 points
2. Nuno Campos – 17 points
3. Filipe Coelho – 9 points
