Rapid Bucharest Prepares for Final Season Match Against U Cluj with Surprise Call-Up
In a move that has garnered significant attention in Romanian football circles, Rapid Bucharest has announced its squad for the final match of the season against U Cluj, with interim coach Octavian Chihaia making a surprise call-up for 16-year-old defensive midfielder Andrei Șucu. According to a report by GSP.ro, Șucu, one of the sons of Rapid’s owner Dan Șucu, could make his debut in the top-tier Superliga match.
The match, scheduled to take place at 18:00 today, will be broadcast live on PrimaSport 1 and DigiSport, with GSP.ro providing live text coverage. The fixture is part of the 10th round of the play-off, with Rapid looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance in the previous round. Interim coach Octavian Chihaia, who was brought in to replace Marius Șumudică, will be looking to make a positive impact in his first match in charge.
As reported by GSP.ro, Rapid’s squad for the match includes several players from the club’s youth teams, in addition to Șucu. These players include defender Patrik Popa and midfielders Andrei Niculcea and Sebastian Banu. The full squad list for Rapid is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Aioani, Briciu, Stolz
- Defenders: Bădescu, Braun, Ciobotariu, Manea, Onea, Popa
- Midfielders: Micovschi, Ademo, Christensen, Gojkovic, Grameni, Niculea, Șucu, Vulturar, Banu
- Forwards: Burmaz, Dobre, Koljic, Petrila, R.Pop
In comments reported by GSP.ro, coach Octavian Chihaia expressed his optimism ahead of the match, stating: "A league game with stakes and importance. Important for the Rapid fans, for our image. We have every interest in giving our best on the pitch to remedy a bit of what happened in the last round. We are confident, we prepared well in the two days we had with the boys. I felt a good vibe, I find involvement in training and we hope to get the 3 points. This is a team of players who can fight for the championship, that was the message I conveyed."
Chihaia also praised the professionalism of his players, saying: "They are professional players, they are treated very well by everyone, it’s their job. There are no special things, I didn’t find a sluggish state. Of course, disappointed by what happened in the last game."
The call-up of Andrei Șucu has generated significant interest, with many fans and pundits eager to see the young player in action. As reported by GSP.ro, Șucu is one of the sons of Rapid’s owner Dan Șucu, and his inclusion in the squad has been seen as a surprise move by coach Chihaia. The match against U Cluj promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to make a positive impact in the final round of the season.
The inclusion of young players in the squad is seen as a positive step by GSP.ro, with the publication noting that it demonstrates the club’s commitment to developing its youth talent. As the match approaches, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly anticipating the outcome, with Rapid looking to end the season on a high note.
In conclusion, the announcement of Rapid’s squad for the match against U Cluj has generated significant interest, with the call-up of 16-year-old Andrei Șucu being a surprise move by coach Octavian Chihaia. As reported by GSP.ro, the match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to make a positive impact in the final round of the season.