The winter break in Romania (2009-2010)

[vercingetorixxx]

Hello.
Since the Romanian League will start again in 2 week time, I will present the situation at every team at the current time, going to update them when something notable will happen. Please note that the notes regarding the teams and the players are my personal opinion and they might be subjective. If I have missed something, any completions are appreciated.
Here we go:

1. CFR Cluj 17 10 4 3 23-10 34
CFR is the top Romanian team after 17 rounds in the craziest championship Romania had from years. They had one of the best teams in the last years, with some great individuals. But, comparing the current transfer period with the ones from last years, CFR invested very little, only paying for Bud (actually the transfer was made since the beginning of the championship). Otherwise, some loan transfers or players signed as free agents, but this is a characteristic of this transfer period in Romania. Money are a problem for almost all the clubs, as their owners / shareholders were struck by the economical crisis.
They weren’t impressive in the friendly games either, and coach Mandorlini announced he will change the system after the shameful defeat against Dinamo Zagreb. So, from 4-3-3, he will move to 4-3-1-2, with Dica behind the 2 strikers. This comes also as a measure to integrate Dica more easily, as he didn’t impressed playing as a left striker so far.
Even though they haven’t impressed in this period, they still hold a powerful squad and they are definitely at least Top 3 material and a serious championship contender.

Players in:
Nicolae Dica – loaned from Catania, after a 6 months spell to Iraklis. He could play as an offensive midfielder and as the second striker as well. He had a big part in Steaua’s successful European campaigns in the past years, but failed to impress at Catania. Brilliant technique but a very lazy player.
Cristian Bud – a good striker after the Romanian league standards, signed from Gaz Metan Medias. He has plenty of qualities and it is to be seen how he will perform at a higher level.
Kasali Casal – free transfer, the Nigerian 22 year old defender previously played for Swindon Town, after coming as a trialist at Cluj.
Patrick Kanyuka – a defender from Congo, in trial with CFR at the moment, with decent chance to be kept.
Robert de Zerbi – 30 years, midfielder, on loan from Napoli.

Players out:
Sebastian Dubarbier – to Lorient (definitive transfer) – he was considered one of the best players from CFR, a fast winger, with good technique and a powerful shot. But he was underperforming in the last season, he was nervous all the time and his volcano temperament was made him an easy target for the refs.
Bogdan Mara – to Iraklis Salonic (definitive transfer) – he was released by CFR, mainly due to his high salary and advanced age. He was a real globe trotter , a player who could perform on the right flank, as well as a central midfielder, but was really out of form in the last 6 months.
Andre Leao – to Pacos Ferreira (definitive transfer) – average defensive midfielder, 24 years, signed for CFR in 2007, but he rarely played in the last year.
Didi – to Leixoes (loan) – he was considered one of the best strikers from Romania in 2007 when he signed for CFR, but a terrible injury kept him out of action for many months and he couldn’t came back to that form.
Galiassi de Souza – to Unirea Alba Iulia (loan) – average defender, surplus to requirements at CFR.
Unirea is also in discussion for the loan signing of at least one of the strikers Nei and Ruiz.

Friendly games:
CFR – Wiener Neustadt 3-2 (Cadu 2, Deac)
CFR – Kapfenberg 3-0 (Traore, E Dica 2)
Dinamo Zagreb – CFR Cluj 4-0
CFR - Videoton Fehervar 1-0 (Peralta)
CFR - FK Sutjeska 3-1 (N Dica, Nei, Cadu)

[vercingetorixxx]

2 Unirea Urziceni 17 10 4 3 25-13 34
Well, I think everybody heard about Unirea Urziceni after their spectacular Chamions League campaign. They managed to qualify to Europa League from a group with Sevilla, Stuttgart and Rangers, an impressive performance for a team from a city with 15 000 inhabitants from Romania. They are second in Romania after 17 rounds, although they have used a mixed squad in many games last autumn, but the future is not looking too bright for them.
Coach Dan Petrescu left the club and joined Kuban Krasnodar , and he was one of the main factors who lead this club to success. He created an aggressive team, mainly from players rejected by other clubs, and the discipline and the power of the group put behind any technical gap between them and other romanian clubs.
The new coach, is the Israeli Ronny Levy, former coach of Maccabi Petah Tikva and Maccabi Haifa. It is said his training methods are ultra modern, but it is to be seen how he will manage in a league superior to the Israeli League.
They weren***8217;t active in the transfer market, moreover they have lost some players. The financial situation of the club is not brilliant and, with many offers coming for the main players, I expect another of them to leave the club in the near future. All in all, I don***8217;t see them capable of putting a serious championship challenge and they will fight for a Europa League spot.

Players in:

Players out:
Daniel Tudor ***8211; to Kecskemeti (definitive transfer)***8211; he was the reserve of Arlauskis, but a very experienced and reliable player. He also was on goal at their great 4-1 success from Ibrox Park.
Dacian Varga ***8211; returned to Sportul Studentesc ***8211; very good winger, fast, good technique. He was on loan to Urziceni and now he is one of the main transfer targets for the big Romanian clubs.
Tibi Balan ***8211; returned to Sportul Studentesc ***8211; attacking midfielder, a very useful player, loaned from Sportul same as Varga.
Cristian Danalache ***8211; to Al Ettifaq (definitive transfer) ***8211; towering striker, but he was mostly a substitute player in autumn. Wanted to move for a better salary and more chances to play.

Friendly games:
Unirea ***8211; Tom Tomsk 1-0 (Maftei)
Unirea ***8211; Seongnam 0-1 (game interrupted after 53 minutes)
Unirea ***8211; Zorya Lugansk 2-0 (Sorin Frunza 2)
Unirea ***8211; Dnepr Dnepropetrovsk 2-0 (Bilasco 2)
Unirea ***8211; Slovan Bratislava 0-0
Unirea ***8211; FC Rostov 0-1

[vercingetorixxx]

3 Steaua Bucuresti 17 10 4 3 25-14 34
Steaua is closing the Top 3, rather surprisingly according to their play. Some late and lucky goals, a little help from the referees, combined with the inconsistence of the other teams, bought them here. But they certainly didn***8217;t impressed in autumn.
Steaua***8217;s owner Gigi Becali is facing some big financial problems, so no spectacular transfer was made, beside loans and free transfer. Moreover, they have sold their central defenders couple Rada ***8211; Ghionea, a very surprising and amateurish decision for a team of Steaua***8217;s stature. Anyway, the returns of defensive midfielder Ovidiu Petre and Nigerian left back Emeghara should boost the squad. They were injured most of the autumn campaign, but they are quality players without any doubt.
In the preparation games, coach Stoichita used different systems, playing 3-4-3 in the first half and 4-4-2 in the second. This 3-4-3 is his favorite module, but the team is used to play 4-4-2, that***8217;s why their friendly performances were much better in the second half.
With their current quality, they shouldn***8217;t be able to pose a serious championship challenge but, Steaua is a special team and Becali is a special person, so impossible is nothing.

Players in:
Stelios Parpas ***8211; from AEL Limassol (loan) ***8211; Cypriot central defender, asked at the team by coach Stoichita. After enjoying a good 2008/2009 season for AEL, he failed to impress last year. So far, he***8217;s way back with the preparation comparing to his team mates.
Arman Karamyan ***8211; free agent ***8211; He was released from Poli Timisoara. He could play as a striker, second striker or right winger. Hard working player but limited imo. He was signed mainly because his twin brother wanted to play along him.
Artiom Karamyan ***8211; free agent ***8211; Also released from Poli, same like his brother. He was the main reason why Steaua signed Arman. He could play anywhere on the left flank , his main position still being the left midfielder. In the last six months he has played as a left defender for Poli.
Jirko Jelev from Otelul Galati (definitive transfer) ***8211; 31 year old, reliable Bulgarian defender, he might be a good signing especially because he is already used with the Romanian football. Anyway, the gap between Otelul and Steaua is huge, so let***8217;s see if he could cope with the pressure of the expectations.
Pepe Moreno - on loan from Independiente until the summer, played at Steaua 2 years ago for half a season and scored some goals. He is a tall and strong striker and i think he`s good adding to the team, the only problem is his fitness right now.
Players out:
Ducu Ninu ***8211; to Poli Iasi (loan) ***8211; young defender, played some games for Steaua at the beginning of the season, but doesn***8217;t have the required quality to stay.
Mihai Onicas ***8211; to Poli Iasi (loan) ***8211; young defensive midfielder of a certain quality, but still needs to play in order to gather some experience. The competition on his position made the club to take the decision to loan him, in order to gather some game experience.
Ionut Rada ***8211; to Al Nasr (definitive transfer) ***8211; reliable defender, managed some good performances for Steaua last autumn.
Sorin Ghionea ***8211; to FC Rostov (definitive transfer) ***8211; solid central defender, ex-Steaua captain, a big loss for the club.
Krum Bibiskov ***8211; contract terminated by mutual agreement. The Bulgarian striker couldn***8217;t hold a regular spot at Steaua but, truth be told, he was way too weak for Romanian league standards.
Razvan Ochirosii ***8211; to Otelul Galati (definitive transfer, will be held in co-ownership) ***8211; young left winger, he was part of the Jelev deal.
Dayro Moreno ***8211; to Once Caldas (definitive transfer) ***8211; finally Steaua managed to get rid of the lazy and capricious Columbian, but they have lost somewhere around 2 millions euro overall on his expense.
Andrei Ionescu - to Poli Iasi (loan) - see Iasi's description.

Friendly games:
Steaua ***8211; Shakhtar Donetsk 0-1
Steaua ***8211; Red Bull Salzburg 1-1 (Stancu)
Steaua ***8211; Vasas Budapest 2-0 (Tanase, Kapetanos)
Steaua ***8211; Rijeka 1-1 (Szekely)
Steaua ***8211; Lokomotiv Sofia 3-2 (Tanase, Stancu 2)
Steaua - Terek Groznii 0-2
Steaua - Bate Borisov 2-0 (Kapetanos, Surdu)

[vercingetorixxx]

4 Poli Timisoara 17 8 7 2 29-12 31
Timisoara is on the 4th place after a lot of ups and downs in the first half of the championship. They have lost some easy points in the autumn, but also managed some great games too. Their league campaign was also influenced by their European games, having to use mixed squads in some of the games. Anyway, one of the main reasons behind their classification was coach***8217;s Sabau tactical inconsistence. Timisoara started the campaign as a defensive minded team and ended it as a super attacking one. Many might think that Timisoara has great defenders, but this is not true. Since Cisovsky got injured, the defense was rather shaky, and Sabau used an ultra defensive tactic, with 3 central defenders and 2 defensive midfielders in the key European games against Ajax, Stuttgart and Shakhtar. The truth is, their biggest problems are in the defensive compartment.
Poli was one of the most active teams on the transfer market, as we can further notice, and they are looking like a team who could mount a serious championship challenge.
Anyway, coach Sabau was very disappointed by their friendly performances, and the title dream might be possible only if they will manage to solve those problems in time and integrate the new players as soon as possible.

Players in:
Tiago Costa ***8211; from Vizela (definitive transfer) ***8211; Portuguese right back, bought to create competition to Leandro Bonfim.
Dede ***8211; from Arles-Avignon (definitive transfer) ***8211; Angolan midfielder, not too much info about him.
Laszlo Sepsi - from Benfica (definitive transfer) ***8211; a transfer record for Poli, paying 1,2 mil euros to secure the signing of the Romanian left back. He signed in 2008 from Bistrita to Benfica, but was loaned for one season to Racing Santander, where he was a constant figure in the first eleven. Sepsi worker with manager Sabau also at Bistrita and he will cover a sensitive position at Timisoara, the left back one (in the first half of the season Sabau being forced to play with Artiom Karamyan there, who is actually a midfielder, or with average Florin Maxim. Good transfer.
Cosmin Contra ***8211; from Getafe (definitive transfer) ***8211; the 34 year old right back canceled his Getafe contract in order to come and help Timisoara winning the title. He***8217;s a very experienced player, being able to play also as a right midfielder. Important transfer.
Pablo Osvaldo Vazquez ***8211; from The Strongest (definitve transfer) ***8211; 27 year old argentinian striker, bought as a solution to replace Gigel Bucur.
Jan Kozak ***8211; from Slovan Bratislava (definitive transfer) ***8211; 29 year old Slovak playmaker, could be a big transfer for Timisoara, as they are missing a reliable player on the playmaker position.

Players out:
Stelian Stancu ***8211; relased on a free (mutual agreement)
Arman Karamyan ***8211; released from the club (see more at Steaua***8217;s presentation)
Artiom Karamyan ***8211; released from the club (see more at Steaua***8217;s presentation)
Gigel Bucur ***8211; to Kuban Krasnodar (definitive transfer) ***8211; the mignion striker***8217;s departure will certainly be a big blow for the club.
Iasmin Latovlevic ***8211; to Gloria Bistrita (loan) ***8211; young left defender, played some games for the Romanian u21 squad, but rarely used by coach Sabau at Timisoara.
Balasz Borbely ***8211; to AEL Limasol (definitive transfer) ***8211; the Slovakian defensive midfielder was rarely used by coach Sabau and he left the club to AEL, to re-join his ex coach Dusan Uhrin jr
Dejan Rusic ***8211; released on a free ***8211; the Slovenian striker was surplus to requirements at Timisoara and he was released.

Friendly games:
Poli ***8211; Kapfenberg 6-1 (Goga 2, Mera, Mansour 2, Arm Karamyan)
Poli ***8211; Gyeongnam 1-2 (Tiago Costa)
Poli ***8211; Shangdong 1-2 (Mera)
Poli ***8211; Spartak Moscow 2-4 (Nibombe, Mejia)
Poli ***8211; Buducnost Podgorica 1-0 (Cl Ionescu)
Poli ***8211; Litex Loveci 1-1 (Magera)
Poli - Tavria Simferopol 0-0 (game interrupted in the 60th minute)
Poli - Vojvodina Novi Sad 1-3 (Magera)

[weedy]

Nice work man, but the start has been postponed due to the weather conditions with a week so the championship will restart in 3 weeks.

[vercingetorixxx]

5 Rapid Bucuresti 17 9 4 4 36-21 31
Rapid was one of the few teams who didn***8217;t waste too many points against minnows, but were unimpressive against the big teams. They have the same financial problems for years, but they still managed to survive.
Anyway, they are highly unreliable and I don***8217;t see them posing a serious championship challenge, especially if one or two of the leading pack teams will stop making wrong steps like in the first half of the campaign. An Europa League place is maximum they can achieve, in my opinion.

Players in:
Edgars Gauracs ***8211; from Ventspils (loan) ***8211; 21 years old Latvian striker, who scored 3 goals in the surprising 5-1 win of Latvia over Romania at u21 level. He is a gamble from Rapid***8217;s management but a 50k loan until summer for (maybe) a promising player worths the risk.
Cristi Sapunaru ***8211; from FC Porto (loan) ***8211; one of the biggest transfer booms from Romania this period. The NT right defender is back to Rapid, after not an impressive spell at Porto. He***8217;s currently temporarly suspended in Portugal after he aggressed a steward, and the club decided to loan him so he could play some competitive games. As I said, a very good transfer for Rapid, as youngster Paun wasn***8217;t up to the expectations and Brazilian Helder is very unreliable defensive wise.
Ilie Iordache ***8211; from AEK Athens (loan) ***8211; 24 years old Romanian left winger, who could also play as a striker. He managed some very good games for Pandurii in the past, signed for AEK Athens in the summer but managed only 3 appearances for the Greek club. Very gifted player but a difficult character.

Players out:
Mugurel Buga ***8211; to Skoda Xanthi (definitive transfer) ***8211; Romanian striker, did a very good job for Rapid, but the club decided not to renew his contract in the winter.
Joao Paolo Pinto ***8211; to Leixoes (loan) ***8211; the Portuguese striker failed to impress at Rapid so far. Not a loss for the club.

Friendly games:
Rapid ***8211; ACS Berceni 2-1 (A Cretu 2)
Rapid ***8211; Juventus Colentina 1-0 (Bozovic)
Rapid ***8211; Jagellonia 1-0 (Ionita)
Rapid ***8211; Banik Ostrava 2-2 (Herea, Spadacio)
Rapid ***8211; Arsenal Kiev 1-0 (Grigorie)
Rapid - Vorskla Poltava 1-2 (Ad Iordache)

[vercingetorixxx]

6 FC Vaslui 17 9 3 5 25-19 30
One of the best Romanian teams this year, with the best squad, in my opinion. Very balanced team in every area with some high quality players at its disposal. The team had a shaky start under coach Dulca, but showed some real improvements under new coach, Marius Lacatus. Still, with the quality of the players at their disposal, they should have been way higher in the rankings. Anyway, the gap between them and CFR is only 4 points, and they could have a chance in the title race. But, realistically speaking, an Europa League spot is a doable goal.
Vaslui is a team without financial problems, and they were very active on the transfer market, strengthening some key positions. Still, their friendly performances are less than average, but their real strength should be shown when the league will start.

Players in:
Paul Papp ***8211; recalled from Farul Constanta ***8211; 20 years old defender, member of the Romanian u21 squad.
Lucian Sanmartean ***8211; from Gloria Bistrita (definitive transfer)***8211; signed for free by FC Vaslui, Sanmartean is an attacking midfielder. He***8217;s one of the most gifted Romanian players from the last years, playing in the past for Panathinaikos or Utrecht, but his injury problems stopped him to become a really great player. He***8217;s the type of player who can decide a game by itself. Very good signing.
Carlos Costly ***8211; from GKS Belchatow (definitive transfer) ***8211; Honduran striker, member of the NT, regarded as a very good signing by Vaslui***8217;s management.
Jivko Milanov ***8211; from Levski Sofia (definitive transfer) ***8211; Bulgarian right defender, signed to replace in the first 11 an average player like Buhus. Good transfer.
Dinu Sanmartean - free transfer - see Gloria Bistrita's description. I really don't understand the reason why this player was signed. He can't help the club at all.
Gladstone - free transfer - 25 year old Brazilian central defender, previously at juventus, Verona and Sporting Lisbon. Might be a very good addition for the club.

Players out:
Silviu Balace ***8211; to Universitatea Craiova (loan) ***8211; left back, didn***8217;t managed to impress at Vaslui. He was receiving cards to easily and was prone to make silly mistakes. Not reliable anymore.
Nemanja Jovanovic ***8211; to Unirea Alba Iulia (loan) ***8211; the Serbian striker didn***8217;t played an important role in the autumn so now, along with the singing of Costly, he was loaned.
Constantin Gangioveanu ***8211; returned to Universitatea Craiova ***8211; he was loaned in the first half of the season, but played only several minutes for Vaslui.

Friendly games:
Vaslui ***8211; Pakhtator Taskent 0-1
Vaslui ***8211; Mika Ashtarak 2-1 (Papp, Sanmartean)
Vaslui ***8211; FK Teplice 0-1
Vaslui ***8211; Krylia Sovetov 0-1

[vercingetorixxx]

7 FC Brasov 17 7 6 4 19-11 27
Brasov was a solid team in the first half of the season, but they will probably be extremely satisfied if they will achieve an Europa League spot.
They had very good games at home, and some shaky performances on the road. Their main problems was the strikers inefficiency. Brasov was creating many goal chances but they have found very hard the way to the opposition***8217;s goal.
They were very quiet on the transfer market and this is surprising, as I was hoping them to sign at least one striker. Also, regular defender Rui Duarte refused to return to the club in time and he was suspended until June 2011 by the club. He was voted the best right defender from the first league, but he has a weak character.
They did well so far in the friendly games but the real tests will be in the league games. I expect a top half finish for them, but an European qualification seem far at the moment.

Players in:
Landauri Ventura ***8211; from Universitario de Deportes (definitive transfer) ***8211;23 years old Peruvian attacking midfielder.

Players out:
Bogdan Nicolae ***8211; released on a free ***8211; 33 years old central defender, was a fringe player for the club in the last year.
Alexandru Piturca ***8211; to Universitatea Craiova (definitive transfer)***8211; 26 years old striker, was released to Craiova as he failed to do anything impressive for FC Brasov

Friendly games:
FC Brasov ***8211; Partizan Belgrade 3-0 (Hadnagy, Cristescu, Ilyes)
FC Brasov ***8211; Mattersburg 4-1 (Sburlea, Mateiu, Ilyes, Chipciu)
FC Brasov ***8211; Karpatiy Lvov 3-0 (Catalin Munteanu, Mateiu, Diogo)
FC Brasov ***8211; Polonia Bytom 2-2 (Zaharia, Hadnagy)
FC Brasov ***8211; Tatran Presov 2-1 (Ilyes, Savic)
FC Brasov ***8211; Medimurje 0-1
FC Brasov ***8211; Cernomoret Odessa 1-0 (Zaharia)

[vercingetorixxx]

8 Dinamo Bucuresti 17 7 6 4 19-12 27
Another disappointing season for Dinamo, being 7 points behind league leaders CFR. Another half season full of scandals and internal troubles, also financial problems and mainly the un professional behavior of the players. This could be the perfect resume of what happened at Dinamo last autumn. They have lost only to Timisoara from the top clubs, but wasted many points against minnow opponents. They have lost some points due to some suspicious ref calls, but all in all, they had many ups and downs and inconsistency is the perfect word to describe them.
They have made some transfers, but it seems they did it only because it has to be done. Nothing spectacular whatsoever. Their game is also suffering in the friendlies, alternating some good performances with some ridiculous ones.
I don***8217;t see a bright future for them, and the most they could get from this championship will be an Europa League place.

Players in:
Cristian Daminuta ***8211; from Inter Milan (loan) ***8211; 19 years old defender / defensive midfielder, came from Inter after not playing a single game for the big team, only some games for Primavera. He was loaned to Modena, where he made only 3 appearances. Typical overrated player.
Andrei Margaritescu ***8211; free transfer from Terek Grozni (definitive transfer) ***8211; he is an honest and hard working defensive midfielder, but with nothing to offer on the attacking phase. Big heart but limited player, returning to Dinamo after a spell at Terek.
Liviu Ganea ***8211; recalled from Astra ***8211; young striker, could become a quality player if he will be given the chance to play, which I doubt.
Georgian Paun ***8211; recalled from Astra ***8211; useful player, could play as striker or left winger, most probably he will be loaned at another club (Poli Iasi).
Cristi Munteanu ***8211;free from Astra (definitive transfer) ***8211; good goalkeeper, played for Dinamo in the past, he will be used as a back up player.

Players out:
Florin Matache ***8211; to U Cluj (definitive transfer) ***8211; he was considered the 3rd goalkeeper at Dinamo. Not a loss.
Gabriel Tamas ***8211; to WBA ***8211; central defender, loaned from Auxerre. A player with certain qualities but a very unprofessional behavior. He was said to have a disruptive influence over his team mates.
Ze Kalanga ***8211; to Recreativo Libolo (definitive transfer) ***8211; the Angolan right winger was a very capricious player, failing to come back in time from his NT***8217;s actions. His departure is not a bad thing.

Friendly games:
Dinamo ***8211; Unirea Tarlungeni 0-0
Dinamo ***8211; FC Rasnov 5-1 (M Niculae 2, Niculescu, Paun, Moti)
Dinamo- LASK Linz 2-0 (Ganea, Paun)
Dinamo ***8211; Genclerbirligi 1-1 (An Cristea)
Dinamo ***8211; Slaven Belupo 0-1
Dinamo ***8211; Cernomorets Burgas 2-0 (An Cristea, Kone)
Dinamo ***8211; Zakarpatia 2-0 (Niculae, Ganea)
Dinamo ***8211; North Korea 2-1 (Niculescu, Molinero)
Dinamo - U Cluj 2-1 (Zicu 2)
Dinamo - Arka Gdynia 0-2

[vercingetorixxx]

9 Otelul Galati 17 6 4 7 21-24 22
Otelul in a mid table position is a big surprise for me, mainly because they have played almost nothing in the first part of the season. Coach Dorinel Munteanu is a weak coach in my opinion, the players are average, with only Gabi Paraschiv being a spark, the team was playing chaotic etc.
They have released some player this winter, signed another of a questionable quality, mostly on free transfers, so the apparent cohesion between the players will have to suffer.
I really don***8217;t see them finishing the league on the same position, and I really expect them to fight hard for avoiding relegation.

Players in:
Branko Grahovac ***8211; from Borak Cacak (definitive transfer) ***8211; 27 years old Bosnian goalkeeper, don***8217;t think he could possibly be worse than Baotic.
Laurentiu Bus ***8211; from Ariesul Turda (definititve transfer) ***8211; 23 years old striker, could also play on a winger position. Was considered a hot prospect for the future, when he was playing for U Cluj, few years ago.
Razvan Ochirosii ***8211; from Steaua (definitive transfer, co-ownership) ***8211; young left winger, included in the Jelev deal. Could become a useful signing for Otelul.

Players out:
Stoyan Kolev ***8211; released on a free ***8211; the 34 years old was released by the club, for the same reasons like Jelev
Arthur Patras ***8211; recalled from Poli Timisoara, 22 years, midfielder, managed some good games in the end of the first half of the season
Marius Matei ***8211; to Astra Ploiesti - 26 years old striker, very average player.
Christian N***8217;kongue ***8211; to Astra Ploiesti ***8211; 27 years old Cameroonian striker ***8211; average player
Jirko Jelev ***8211; to Steaua (definitive transfer) ***8211; a reliable 31 years old Bulgarian defender, will be certainly missed, although he didn***8217;t played in Otelul***8217;s last games, because of some contract issues with the board.

Friendly games:
Otelul ***8211; Chavdar Etropole 2-1 (Viglianti, Axente)
Otelul ***8211; Winterthur 1-0 (Pena)
Otelul ***8211; Volyn Lutsk 0-1
Otelul ***8211; Jetisu Tadikorgan 0-0 (played only for one half)
Otelul - Jagiellonia 2-1 (o.g., Axente)
Otelul - FC Trenkwalder Admira 1-1 (Nikolic)
Otelul - Slavisa Sarajevo 3-1 (Axente, Cojoc, Neagu)

[vercingetorixxx]

10 Gaz Metan Medias 17 5 6 6 18-26 21
Medias had a team famous for their attractive style of play, but this almost got them relegated last year. They have started the season in the same manner, but coach Pustai suddenly decided to create a more defensive minded team, with a much more cautious play.
This 10th place is fair for them, after what they have showed in the first half of the season, but I believe that some wrong steps could take them fast into the relegation battle. If they will continue their autumn play, than a mid table position is a realistic goal for them.
They weren***8217;t too active on the transfer market either.

Players in:
Alin Litu ***8211; from Asyl FC Lys (definitive transfer) ***8211; a fringe striker, ex-Steaua player, it***8217;s hard to believe he was bought to replace Bud.

Players out:
Cristi Bud ***8211; to CFR Cluj (definitive transfer) ***8211; without a doubt, Bud was Medias***8217;s best player and he couldn***8217;t be kept at the club. A big blow for them.

Friendly games:
Medias ***8211; FC Kriens 2-2 (Silvasan, Markovic)
Medias ***8211; Anzhi Makhachkala 1-1 (Silvasan)
Medias ***8211; FSV Budissa Bautzen 3-2 (Eric 2, Lup)
Medias ***8211; Neftci Baku 0-0
Medias ***8211; FC Grunwiess 6-1 (Eric 3, Sabou 2, Adamovic)
Medias ***8211; Shakhtar II Donetsk 0-0
Medias ***8211; Karpatiy Lviv 1-0 (Silvasan)
Medias ***8211; Volgar Gazprom 1-0 (Eric)

[vercingetorixxx]

11 Pandurii Tg Jiu 17 5 5 7 14-17 20
Pandurii is traditionally a dull and ugly team. Coach Cartu resigned in the middle of the campaign, and he was repeatedly blamed for his ultra defensive style of play. Liviu Ciobotariu took charge, and he tried to make the team more offensive, but Pandurii has a bunch of limited players and, even if they were attacking more, their games were not a joy to watch.
Coach Ciobotariu already announced he will release many players and he will give credit to some youngsters from the club.
As I already said, they have average limited players, without any particular sparks in the team, and I believe they will be involved in the relegation battle.

Players in:
Daniel Orac ***8211; from Panthrakikos (definitive transfer) ***8211; the striker canceled his deal with the Greek club after only 6 months and he will return to Pandurii, after being forced to leave last year by ex manager Sorin Cartu.
Youssouf Kamara ***8211; from FC Arges (definitive transfer) ***8211; 29 years old Ivorian striker, could boost Pandurii***8217;s attack and he could prove to be a useful transfer.
Stojan Vranjes ***8211; from Borak Banja Luka (definitive transfer) ***8211; 24 years old Bosnian midfielder

Players out:
Enache Caju ***8211; to Delta Tulcea ***8211; young midfielder, failed to make an impact in autumn
Ciprian Vasilache ***8211; to Ceahlaul (released) ***8211; a very gifted midfielder but very inconsistent.
Florin Stanga ***8211; to Skoda Xanthi (definitive transfer) ***8211; the hard working midfielder was allowed to leave for a better contract. He was also the team***8217;s captain on Cartu***8217;s era.

Friendly games:
Pandurii ***8211; Amkar Perm 0-1
Pandurii ***8211; SV Ried 0-0
Pandurii ***8211; Zetysu Taldykorgan 3-1 (Kamara, Cardoso, Tilinca)
Pandurii ***8211; Rudar Plevlija 1-1 (Pacurar)
Pandurii ***8211; NK Varteks 2-1 (Kamara, Stromajer)
Pandurii ***8211; Piast Glivice 0-2

[vercingetorixxx]

12 Astra Ploiesti 17 4 6 7 19-23 18
Another nice team of the championship, Astra managed some great result against stronger opponents, masterminded by the Italian coach Nicolo Napoli. Unfortunately, they tend to forget their play on the road, but at home they were a fierce opponent for any visitors. Surprisingly if we consider they have an Italian coach, they have played a very attractive football. They are only on the 12th position, mainly because of their weak rooster, being a real problem for them when any of the regulars was picking an injury or a suspension.
They were one of the most active teams on the transfer market, especially after Dinamo recalled their 3 offensive players loaned to Astra.
It is difficult to tell how those new signings will perform, as most of them are some obscure South Americans, so any prediction regarding their Spring performances will be just a lucky guess.

Players in:
Alejandro Kruchowski ***8211; from Santiago Morning ***8211; 25 years old Argentinian left defender
Diego Silva ***8211; from CA River Plate ***8211; 22 years old Uruguayan striker, under21 international
Maximiliano Arias ***8211; from Penarol Montevideo ***8211; 21 years old Uruguayan right defender, has Italian citizenship
Marcelo Mendez ***8211; from Montevideo Wanderers ***8211; 29 years old Uruguayan central defender
Gonzalo Salgueiro ***8211; from Juventud de Las Piedras ***8211; 23 years old Uruguayan goalkeeper, with Italian citizenship. World champion at under 20 level.
Danilo Carando ***8211; from Nublense - 22 years old Argentinean striker
Lucian Condrea ***8211; from Interstar Sibiu - 17 years old central and right defender, Romania u17 international
Bogdan Mihaila ***8211; from Progresul Corabia ***8211; 20 years old striker
Marius Matei ***8211; from Otelul galati ***8211; see Otelul***8217;s description
Charles N***8217;kongue ***8211; from Otelul Galati ***8211; see Otelul***8217;s description

Players out:
Liviu Ganea, Georgian Paun and Osvaldo Miranda ***8211; recalled from loan by Dinamo, all strikers and important players for Astra in the first half of the season
Kevin Hatchi ***8211; release on a free after he failed to impress
Cristi Munteanu ***8211; released on a free
Abel Valdez ***8211; released on a free

Friendly games:
Astra ***8211; Dunarea Giurgiu 2-2 (Diego Silva, Seto)
Astra ***8211; Cernomoret Balcic 1-0 (Caranndo)
Astra ***8211; Alanyaspor 4-0 (Diego Silva 2, Matei, Paulinho)
Astra ***8211; Sturm Graz 2-1 (Seto, Paulinho)
Astra - FC Brno 2-1 (Stratila, o.g.)

[vercingetorixxx]

13 Politehnica Iasi 17 5 3 9 15-25 18
Poli Iasi is another team with an eye catching game, who***8217;s playing an attractive attacking minded football, masterminded by coach Grigoras. He managed to implement the 4-3-3 module here, but the strikers inefficiency is ruining the club. Same as Brasov, they manage to create a huge amount of goal chances, by they need around 5-6 clear chances in order to score a goal.
It is really unfair to see a team like Iasi behind some dull teams like Otelul or Pandurii but this is football.
Their financial situation is awful, but they still managed to sign some players, especially free agents or loans. I believe they have what it takes to avoid relegation, but they will have to face a tough battle.

Players in:
Adrian Cuciula ***8211; free transfer ***8211; 24 years old central defender
Ducu Ninu ***8211; from Steaua (loan) ***8211; see Steaua***8217;s description
Mihai Onicas ***8211; from Steaua (loan) ***8211; see Steaua***8217;s description
Georgian Paun ***8211; from Dinamo (loan) ***8211; see Dinamo***8217;s description
Vali Badea ***8211; from Universitatea Craiova (definitive transfer) ***8211; 28 years old Romanian striker, played some good games for Steaua in the past, but it seems he has lost his touch lately.
Andrei Ionescu - from Steaua (loan) - quality attacking midfielder, might be a good addition to Iasi's squad.

Players out:
Viorel Frunza ***8211; released on a free
Marius Croitoru ***8211; released on a free
Ibrahima Balde ***8211; released on a free

Friendly games:
Poli Iasi ***8211; CSKA Sofia 0-3
Poli Iasi ***8211; Sibir Novosibirsk 0-0
Poli Iasi ***8211; Sigma Olomuc 2-4 (Nuno Viveiros, Miclea)
Poli Iasi ***8211; FK Senica 3-1 (Negru, Bujor, Badea)
Poli Iasi ***8211; Amkar Perm 1-3 (Paun)

[vercingetorixxx]

14 Universitatea Craiova 17 5 2 10 24-27 17
Craiova involved in the relegation battle after they were one step away from Europe might look ccrazy but actually it isn***8217;t. In almost all their games, it seemed the players are lacking motivation and are waiting the game to be won by itself. They have some quality in the squad, but not as much as they***8217;re pretending too. The players are overrated, and this is not doing any good to their gameplay.
The club***8217;s owner stated in the summer Craiova will fight for at least an Europa League place. He***8217;s still saying it, which makes the situation even worse as he***8217;s not realizing the club***8217;s situation. If they are not capable to wake up and pull themselves together, they have high chances to play in the second league from autumn.
Dutch coach Wotte was appointed, but I really doubt he could change something as they were already playing 4-3-3. Moreover, they have released 5 experienced players and failed until now to replace them.
All in all, there are worse teams than Craiova in the first league, but Craiova will face a tough battle to avoid relegation.

Players in:
Alexandru Piturca ***8211; from FC Brasov (definitive transfer) ***8211; see Brasov***8217;s description
Silviu Balace ***8211; from FC Vaslui (loan) ***8211; see Vaslui***8217;s description
Sorin Raducu ***8211; from FC Caracal
Ivan Paunovic ***8211; from FK Srem Sremska Mitrovica ***8211; 23 years old Serbian attacking midfielder. I doubt that a guy from Serbian second division could help Craiova at this moment.
Constantin Gangioveanu ***8211; recalled from Vaslui ***8211; see Vaslui***8217;s description
Valentin Iliev - free transfer - 30 year old Bulgarian central defender, played for Terek Groznii and CSKA Sofia in the past, 19 games played for the Bulgarian NT. After all those experienced players were released, he might be a good addition for an inexperienced defensive line like Craiova's. He missed the winter preparations, joining the club on 11.02, so he will have little time to recover.

Players out:
Dorel Stoica ***8211; released on a free ***8211; a really useful and experienced player, who could have played as defender, as well as defensive midfielder
Florin Soava ***8211; released on a free ***8211; experienced defensive midfielder, was often used as a left back in autumn
Josh Mitchell ***8211; released on a free ***8211; reliable central defender
Joshua Rose ***8211; released on a free ***8211; reliable player, played anywhere on the left flank
Vali Badea ***8211; released on a free ***8211; see Poli Iasi***8217;s description

Friendly games:
Craiova ***8211; Zenit II 2-0 (Dina, Craciun)
Craiova ***8211; Incheon United 2-2 (M Costea, F Costea)
Craiova ***8211; Volgar Gazprom 1-2 (Roman)
Craiova ***8211; SV Babelsberg 0-1
Craiova ***8211; Zorya Luganks 1-1 (F Costea)
Craiova ***8211; Spartak Nalchik 1-0 (F Costea)

[vercingetorixxx]

15 International Curtea de Arges 17 5 1 11 16-31 16
Inter was one nice surprise in the beginning of the season, when they won some away games, but things got back to normal as the time passed by. They have some nice and promising players, but their style of play was rather chaotic: all in attack and all in defense. But at least they played some honest football. Coach Stoica was sacked and Ionut Badea took his place. Badea is the ex-Arges coach, and he managed to create a nice team there.
He is expected to save the team from relegation but I believe they have high chances to go down, especially if one of the teams bellow them will show some signs of improvement in the spring.
They haven***8217;t made any resounding transfer and I believe that only Badea***8217;s skills and the current group of players will not keep them up. From the spring, they will play their games at FC Arges***8217;s stadium, after previously playing their home games at Mioveni.

Players in:
Bogdan Apostu ***8211; from Diosgyor (definitive transfer) ***8211; 27 years old striker , previously played for Farul, UTA and Otelul.
Andrei Antohi ***8211; from Jiul Petrosani ***8211; striker
Marius Pintilii ***8211; from Jiul Petrosani - defender

Players out:
Dan Matei - finished his loan spell - strong right back

Friendly games:
Inter ***8211; Olimpik Baku 1-0 (Vezan)
Inter ***8211; SV Babelsberg 0-1
Inter ***8211; Gyeongnam 2-3 (Vezan, Pintilii)
Inter ***8211; Zhetysu Taldykorgan 2-0 (Vezan, Antohi)
Inter ***8211; Petrolul Ploiesti 1-2 (Viera)

[IGUANA]

For real, good stuff mate!!!

[vercingetorixxx]

16 Unirea Alba Iulia 17 3 5 9 17-27 14
Unirea was one of the weak sides in the first part of the campaign. Falub***8217;s coaching abilities are questionable, as well as the players***8217;s quality. They were mostly performing in the home games, being almost invisible on the road.
The financial situation at Alba Iulia is not brilliant, but they are still trying to late-loan some players. If they will manage all these transfers, maybe they will stand a chance in the relegation battle, otherwise they are doomed.

Players in:
Ramon Nunez ***8211; from Cruz Azul (loan) ***8211; 24 years old Honduran international, could play as a central or right midfielder.
Enzo Bruno ***8211; from Independiente ***8211; 23 years old Argentinean midfielder
Nemanja Jovanovic ***8211; from FC Vaslui (loan) ***8211; see Vaslui***8217;s description
Galiassi de Souza ***8211; from CFR (loan) ***8211; 29 years old Brazilian defender ***8211; could be useful for the team

Players out:
Gheorghe Grozav ***8211; to Standard Liege (definitive transfer) ***8211; 19 years old striker, could also play as a winger. Very promising player, although didn***8217;t had too much chances in the autumn.
Bobi Verdes ***8211; released on a free ***8211; 29 years old striker, was an useful player for the club
Elias Pinto ***8211; to Brasiliense ***8211; 30 years old striker, failed to impress after making only 3 appearances for the club.
Sergiu Costea ***8211; released on a free ***8211; 27 years old midfielder ***8211; fringe player

Friendly games:
Unirea ***8211; Unirea Deaj 4-1 (Pedrosa, Enzo Bruno, Radoi, Veljovic)
Unirea ***8211; Kuban Krasnodar 1-1 (Enzo Bruno)
Unirea ***8211; NK Hrvatski Dragovoljac 1-1 (Radoi)
Unirea ***8211; FC Daegu 1-1 (Enzo Bruno)
Unirea ***8211; FK Zeta 3-1 (Veljovic, Jovanovic, Enzo Bruno)
Unirea ***8211; Sportist Svoge 0-0

[vercingetorixxx]

17 Gloria Bistrita 17 2 8 7 13-24 14
Gloria is another team in a desperate situation. After so many years in the first league without any real emotion regarding the relegation, they will have to put a desperate fight in order to stay up one more season. The team started the league very bad, coach Tabarca proving he has nothing to do with this job. Things have changed since old fox Halagian took charge, and Gloria managed an impressive 6 games unbeaten run, losing only one game from their last nine.
In the winter break, Halagian decided to take a step back because of the stress and the new coach was named Marius Sumudica, ex Farul Constanta. He***8217;s a fan of an attacking style of play, and the team managed some nice games in the preparation period.
They weren***8217;t spectacular on the transfer market, but I believe they have the power to overcome at least Unirea and International. The rest of the salvation plan will depend a lot on the other***8217;s teams performances.

Players in:
Dan Matei ***8211; from Unirea Urziceni ***8211; strong right back, reliable player. Was loaned in autumn to Inter Curtea de Arges.
Iasmin Latovlevic ***8211; from Timisoara (loan) ***8211; see Timisoara***8217;s description
Andrei Muresan ***8211; finished his loan spell at Kuban ***8211; defender / defensive midfielder, useful player.
Cornel Predescu ***8211; from Dinamo (loan) ***8211; right / left winger, promising player, could help the club.
Junior Moraes ***8211; from Santos ***8211; 23 years old Brazilian striker
Ze Rui ***8211; from CSKA Sofia ***8211; 27 years old midfielder from Cape Verde

Players out:
Dinu Sanmartean ***8211; released on a free ***8211; defensive midfielder, used as a left defender in autumn, was a useful player for the club
Lucian Sanmartean ***8211; released to Vaslui ***8211; see Vaslui***8217;s description. Big blow.

Friendly games:
Gloria ***8211; Lokomotiv II Moscow 2-1 (Chitu, Moldovan)
Gloria - SV Wacker Burghausen 0-0
Gloria ***8211; Kadriyespor 3-0 (Chitu, Saceanu, Neagu)
Gloria ***8211; Terek Groznii 4-2 (Hora, C Petre, Neagu, Predescu)
Gloria ***8211; Rostov 2-1 (Junior Moraes 2)
Gloria ***8211; FK Qarabagh Agdam 0-0
Gloria ***8211; Hatayspor 2-2 (Moldovan, Predescu)
Gloria ***8211; Amkar Perm 0-0

[vercingetorixxx]

18 Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt 17 2 4 11 13-35 10
Ceahlaul was looking like a big relegation candidate since the beginning of the season. They had an inexperienced rooster, with only 3 players over 25 years old. Not much to ask from such a team.
They had some desperate attempts to sign players in the middle of the league, but signing free players in the middle of the season is a gamble.
Coach Multescu was reassured of the board***8217;s support, they have made some transfers, they have many trialists, but their chances to avoid relegation are minimum to none.

Players in:
Arthur Patras ***8211; from Timisoara (loan) ***8211;see Otelul***8217;s description
Sasa Stevic ***8211; free transfer (previously at FK Banat)***8211; 28 years old Serbian defender
Jimmy Mulisa ***8211; free transfer (previously at Roeselare)- 25 years old Rwanda striker
Cosmin Barcauan ***8211; free transfer (previously at OFI Crete) ***8211; 31 years old defender, could be a good transfer for the club
Ciprian Vasilache ***8211; free transfer (previously at Pandurii) ***8211; 27 years old attacking midfielder. Very gifted player but also capricious.

Players out:
Danut Prodan ***8211; to Farul Constanta (loan) ***8211; midfielder, fringe player
Radu Doicaru ***8211; to Farul Constanta (loan) ***8211; striker, was useful for the club in autumn

Friendly games:
Ceahlaul ***8211; Gyeongnam 1-0 (Sofronie)
Ceahlaul ***8211; Vorskla Poltava 1-6 (Tudor)
Ceahlaul ***8211; NK Osijek 0-1
Ceahlaul ***8211; SK Sutjeska 2-2 (Cebotaru 2)
Ceahlaul ***8211; Jetisu Taldikorgan 4-1 (Ibrahim 2, Jeremic, Dragomir)
Ceahlaul - Lechia Gdansk 2-2 (Mulisa 2)

[windstorm]

good job vercingetoriXXX

seems like mitica de la liga change his mind and the league wont be delayed with one week...

so 20 feb. will be the day when the league will restart and i cant wait coz probably its one the most interesting tittle race in romanian league history.

[Claugol]

excelent work vercingetoriXXX.was a pleasure to read this.i see cfr and vaslui the strongest teams in the league and i expect craiova (maybe gloria) to performe better this time

[vercingetorixxx]

Thanks guys.

Btw, i am constantly updating the transfer situation and the preparation games for every club and if i'm missing something, anybody is free to contribute. (But please, with confirmed transfers only. For gossip and rumors, we have the Romanian press.)

[Radone]

Just wanted to say "Excellent stuff!", you really showed not just solid knowledge on Romanian football, but also an objective approach, which is vital for such a forum. Again, you have my respect!

[unfairbets]

great stuff Cosminel. Even I dont like them, Rapid with those new guys might reach top3.

[Kryptos]

Congrats verci , great work !