Archives - May 2008

Lazar to C.F.R.?

A rumour has surfaced that Rapid Bucharest defensive midfielder Costin Lazar is one of Cluj's prime objectives for a transfer this summer. Lazar is dissatisfied with his contract at Rapid and may opt for C.F.R. where he would likely earn a greater salary, as well as have the opportunity to play in the Champions' League. Lazar would be a perfect addition to the squad, as Portuguese defensive midfielder Dani has not impressed this spring. 

Stadium Renovations Proceeding as Planned

The construction work on "Dr. Constantin Radulescu" stadium are going as planned. The new stands opposite the ones built in 1973 will have an underground parking lot with a one-hundred car capacity. Above the parking lot, a new press conference room, change rooms, as well as two fitness centres will be built. In addition, the pitch is currently undergoing the installation of a heating system which will allow games to be played for ten months of the year. Furthermore, in order to ensure safe entrance and exit from the stadium grounds, several new gates will be set up.

Vitinha to Return to Cluj

Loaned during the summer of 2007 to second league side CS Otopeni, Portuguese left full-back Vitinha will return to Cluj. However, the young defender will only be returning this fall, as he had suffered an injury in March and is currently recuperating in Portugal. Vitinha played very well during his time at Otopeni, being one of the best (if not the best) defenders in Liga II, so his recall does not come as a surprise.

Deac dropped from National Team

C.F.R. midfielder Ciprian Deac will not play in the European Cup after national team coach Victor Piturca specified so in the press. Still, as Deac is a up-and-coming, young player, he is likely to be an important player in future national team fixtures.

On the other hand, Swedish left back, Mikael Dorsin, will play for his respective national team in the European Cup after being called up by manager Lars Larback. 

In addition, Cluj ivorians Emmanuel Kone and Diarrasouba Vieira have been called up to play for the Ivory Coast Olympic National Team.

Rumours Point to Kone

Lately, many rumours have arisen about a possible Yssouf Kone transfer from Rosenborg B.K. to Cluj. C.F.R. officials have denied any links to Kone's transfer. However, the press continues to insist that C.F.R. will pay €1,500,000 for his transfer this summer. The press also stated the exact same thing last winter. So, whether this transfer will actually materialize is completely unknown.

Unbelievable Win for Reserves

During the 25th round, C.F.R. II completely ridiculed their opponent, last-placed Unirea Triteni. The scoreline was an absolutely unbelievable 30-0! 

The list of goal scorers was: Felecan (1, 49), O. Bucur (4, 13, 20, 37), Cl. Chiorean (8, 35, 46, 48, 50, 55, 89), Hausch (10), I. Borostean (42, 51, 53, 70, 76, 90+1), Hotico (66, 67, 68, 75, 78), Marian Pop (69), Cucuruzan (80, 82, 84, 86).

Unfortunately, this scoreline was not quite enough to topple the 41-0 record set in December 2000 when Carpati Mecanica Mirsa defeated Avintul Dirlos 41-0.

Anca to leave for F.C. Bihor?

Yesterday, C.F.R. player Adrian Anca trained with F.C. Bihor. Bihor coach Gheorghe Silaghi had this to say: "a player like Anca would solve all our problems in front of the opposing goal...He came here just to train with us, but we would like him to play for us as well." 

Second Transfer of the Summer

Brazilian center back Hugo Alcantara, signed for C.F.R. as a free agent after refusing to extend his contract with Portuguese side Belenenses Lisbon. Alcantara was present at a press conference held at the stadium. He will earn 150,000 Euros per year for the next three years at Cluj. Having consistently played at such clubs as Vitoria Setubal, Academica Coimbra and Wilsa Cracovia, he has quite a bit of experience. Club president, Iuliu Muresan described the 190 cm central defenseman as "a powerful, technical player with good headers." As there are now six center backs in the squad, head coach Ioan Andone will have to make the difficult decision of dropping at least one of them.

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