Mihai Stoica Criticizes Mihai Popescu After His Red Card in FCSB’s 3-2 Victory Over CFR Cluj
Mihai Stoica, the president of the FCSB board, did not hesitate to express his dissatisfaction with Mihai Popescu’s performance following the defender’s red card in the recent match against CFR Cluj, which FCSB won 3-2. Stoica, known for his blunt comments, critiqued Popescu’s actions in what could have been a dangerous situation for the team, especially after the defender’s controversial “parry” in the FCSB penalty area.
Despite the red card, which left FCSB a man down in the 65th minute, Stoica emphasized that the victory was still a positive outcome. However, the criticism regarding Popescu’s behavior was sharp. Stoica pointed out that the defender had been fortunate to escape further scrutiny, given the gravity of his mistake. “At that moment, it’s hard to bail a player who makes such an error,” Stoica said. “You imagine it was a matter of instinct, but the mistake was big. The match was won, so what to do? It’s okay to judge based on the result. It’s not a problem that he’s missing from Rapid, football hasn’t been invented yet in the 12s. Maybe someone else will play under his age.”
Stoica made it clear that Popescu’s actions, though unintentional, had significant consequences. He added, “Football is a game of instinct, but the reality is that the mistake cost us a player. That’s the difference in this game – a single mistake can alter the course of the match.”
In an attempt to soften the criticism, Stoica acknowledged that players sometimes act on instinct, which may lead to mistakes in high-pressure situations. “I talked to him after the match, even today,” Stoica explained. “Sometimes you react instinctively, what should we do? The reflex is beautiful.” He also pointed out that such moments can be forgiven when the team ultimately wins. Stoica, however, made it clear that Popescu would be absent in the upcoming derby against Rapid, and that a replacement would be stepping in.
Mihai Popescu’s Suspension and FCSB’s Upcoming Derby
With Popescu’s red card, FCSB will face a challenge in their upcoming match against Rapid, with the defender’s absence likely to be felt. Stoica indicated that Daniel Bîrligea would return to the starting lineup for the derby. “At that moment, it’s clear that Mihai Popescu won’t play in the next match. We will have to make do without him. Daniel Bîrligea is expected to step in for him in the starting lineup,” Stoica confirmed.
Bîrligea, a younger player with potential, is set to make his presence felt in the crucial match against Rapid. Stoica’s remarks about Bîrligea showed confidence in the young player’s abilities, saying, “Here comes Bîrligea, who can’t possibly be missing from the starting lineup.” Despite Popescu’s absence, Stoica remains optimistic about the team’s ability to perform.
The Role of Şut and the Importance of Defenders
In an effort to shift the focus away from Popescu’s mistake, Stoica also praised some of the other players who had stepped up in the match, including Şut, a defender who had previously been a goalkeeper in his youth. Stoica mentioned that Şut’s unique background gave him an advantage in certain situations. “Do you know who defends well for us? Şut, who was also a goalkeeper in the children’s team. He is taller than half of the goalkeepers in League 1,” Stoica remarked, highlighting the importance of having players who can adapt to different roles on the field.
Stoica’s recognition of Şut’s contribution is a testament to the value of versatile players in modern football. His ability to defend effectively, having played in goal during his youth, speaks to the team’s depth and flexibility.
Mihai Stoica’s Praise for Juri Cisotti
Amid the criticism directed at Popescu, Stoica also took the opportunity to praise Juri Cisotti, a player who had impressed him with his performances in recent matches, particularly during the 3-2 victory over CFR Cluj. Cisotti’s performance was especially noteworthy as he scored twice, helping FCSB secure a vital win. Stoica lauded the player’s consistency and his ability to adapt to the team’s needs, especially after the long-term injury to Darius Olaru, one of FCSB’s key players.
“We had a big problem, I thought we had lost our chances of fighting for the title when we lost Darius Olaru for a long period,” Stoica reflected. “But Cisotti very quickly gained the trust of his teammates and was among the protagonists match by match.” Stoica also shared that he had observed Cisotti’s potential from earlier performances, stating, “I said many times on the show, when he played in Galaţi, that I didn’t see him playing badly. He doesn’t play badly at FCSB either.”
Cisotti’s contributions to the team’s success have not gone unnoticed, and Stoica believes the player’s growth is essential to FCSB’s pursuit of the title. “Good people, among the best games played by this team in the last 20 years, the best game, by far, is the FCSB – PAOK match, 2-0,” Stoica recalled. “It is the best match played by a football team in Romania after the revolution. Cisotti played and scored.”
Despite praising Cisotti, Stoica also made it clear that Darius Olaru, although injured, remains a key figure in the team. “Olaru is the best player I have ever worked with,” Stoica admitted. The midfielder’s absence has been a significant blow for FCSB, but the team’s ability to adapt and perform without him speaks volumes about the depth of the squad.
Looking Ahead to the Rapid Derby
The focus now shifts to the upcoming derby against Rapid, a match that FCSB cannot afford to lose in their pursuit of the title. With key players like Popescu and Olaru unavailable, the team will need to rely on their depth and resilience to secure a vital victory. Stoica’s comments indicate that he has faith in the team’s ability to step up, even without some of their star players.
The derby will be a true test of FCSB’s character and determination, and Stoica’s words suggest that the team is ready to face the challenge head-on. With a mix of experience and youth, FCSB will look to continue their pursuit of the title and prove that they are capable of overcoming any obstacles in their path.
In conclusion, while Mihai Stoica’s criticism of Mihai Popescu’s red card was harsh, it was tempered with the acknowledgment that FCSB’s victory over CFR Cluj was still a positive outcome. The team’s focus now shifts to the derby against Rapid, where they will need to overcome absences and mistakes to keep their title hopes alive.
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