Archives - May 2009

Farewell to the Fans (CFR Cluj - Pandurii Tg. Jiu 1-1) - May 30, 2009

CFR only managed a draw in the last match of the season in Gruia. In the end, a draw was the most fair result, even though Pandurii probably deserved the win more than the home side. Pandurii seemed like the better team, and CFR certainly did not have an easy match as most predicted. CFR's showing raises many concerns about the state of the team with less than two weeks to go until the cup final against Timisoara.

CFR Cluj - Pandurii Tg. Jiu Match Preview - May 29, 2009

This Saturday May 30th, CFR will play Pandurii Tg. Jiu in the penultimate round of the Liga 1 2008-2009 season. Pandurii is a dangerous team and must not be underestimated. Last year, the team from Oltenia defeated Cluj twice, so they are not to be taken lightly. Pereira and Galiassi are suspended for this game, but Alcantara and Muresan now have the right to play. Mara suffered an injury last round against FC Arges and his fitness come game time cannot be accurately predicted. The probable starting eleven is: N. Claro - Tony, Vieira, Alcantara, Panin - Dani, Muresan - Dubarbier, Peralta, Culio - Y.Kone.

Conceicao Stays! - May 28, 2009

Antonio Conceicao will remain at Cluj alongside his own staff (Renato Silva and Luis Baltazar) for the next two seasons until June 2011. Conceicao's decent results as of late were the decisive factor in the board room's decision to extend his contract. CFR's objective next season will be the same as it was this year: victory in the league and the cup, as well as qualification into the Europa League Group Stage.

Early Transfer Rumours - May 27, 2009

Even though the season has not even yet come to a conclusion, there are already many rumours as to who will come and go. Yssouf Kone is wanted by Celtic and Everton, Ciprian Deac by Dinamo Bucharest. It also appears Benfica and Stuttgart are trying to capture Pereira's signature. As for any new arrivals at Cluj, the list has been mainly from Liga 1: Dan Roman from Brasov, Paolo Brandan from Urziceni, Lucian Sanmartean from Bistrita, Cesinha from Rapid, and Cristian Bud from Medias. CFR is also interested in Mauro Formica from Newell's Old Boys. Several other options are available in the form of loaned players (Christian Fabbiani, Christian Prette, Vitinha).

Gateway to Europe (FC Arges - CFR 0-2) - May 24, 2009

CFR's third consecutive presence on the European stage was assured after a victory away at Pitesti. FC Arges was unbeaten at home since early 2008, so a victory seemed like an unlikely outcome. Yet, today's events proved otherwise. CFR had only the most minor of problems facing a team plagued by the loss of its star players as well as constant scandal. The three points earned today are enough for Cluj to consolidate fourth spot in preparation for the crucial cup final.

FC Arges - CFR Cluj Match Preview - May 23, 2009

CFR has a seemingly easy game at Arges on Sunday. The Pitesti-based team has had very poor results recently (possibly due to the corruption scandals surrounding the club). CFR, on the other hand, has played well in the past weeks. Although Muresan and Alcantara are both suspended for this match, Culio and Dani will return. Vieira can also replace Alcantara in central defense, while Kone will continue to play. 

Tony to remain at CFR until 2013 - May 18, 2009

Anthony da Silva has extended his contract with CFR until 2013. The "Pitbull's" contract originally was supposed to expire this coming summer, but as he is a critical member of the team he has agreed to remain. In the last match against Brasov, Tony showed his worth as captain, leading Cluj to a clear victory.

Former Inter Milan Prospect Stops by Cluj - May 18, 2009

Guillaume Valmy, a twenty-two year old center-back has arrived at Cluj. The Frenchman is currently participating in a trial with the reserves. Valmy was considered a prospect at Inter Milan several years ago before being loaned off to Treviso in 2006 and has several caps for the French junior national team to his name. Whether he will impress Conceicao remains to be seen.

A Critical Victory (CFR Cluj - FC Brasov 2-0) - May 17, 2009

CFR earned an important victory at home against FC Brasov. Although they are newly promoted, Brasov have proven their worth in the past year showcasing superb defensive organization and deadly counterattacks. But, this was simply not enough in the face of a team determined to snatch all three points at any cost.

Pereira to Benfica? - May 16, 2009

Apparently, the Portuguese press has already transferred Alvaro Perreira to SL Benfica. According to the media on the Iberian peninsula, Benfica and Cluj representatives have negotiated the Uruguayan defender`s transfer to the Lisbon club. Rumours indicate the transfer fee will be €4-5,000,000, but may be lower if Laszlo Sepsi is included in the deal.