Protasov tests Steaua stoicism

Turbulent start
After a turbulent start to the season, Steaua finally took pole position in Romania with a 2-1 win at CS Jiul Petrosani on Saturday, prompting their charismatic chief investor Gigi Becali to say: "I would never have dreamt that we could be first in the league in this first half of the season."

Worrying news
However, that good news has been hotly pursued by some worrying tidings with Protasov rumoured to be heading home to Ukraine to take charge of FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. If that happens he will be the second foreign coach in succession, following Walter Zenga, to leave the club at the top of Divizia A.

Zenga situation
Former Italy goalkeeper Zenga was sacked last term with three rounds of Steaua's title-winning campaign remaining, leaving Dumitru Dumitriu to steer the team over the finish line. Now the concern is that someone else will have to complete the job Protasov began when he was appointed in the summer.

Halmstad test
The 41-year-old ex-Soviet international had a difficult start with Steaua missing out on the UEFA Champions League group stage, losing the Romanian Super Cup and also being eliminated from the Romanian Cup. However, things have stabilised since, and victory against Halmstads BK tonight should guarantee them a place in the UEFA Cup Round of 32.

'Man of honour'
Initial reports suggested Protasov would be making a quick exit, but Becali insists he will stay at least until the winter break. "Oleg is a man of honour," said Becali. "If he leaves, he will not do so before the end of the autumn championship.

Contract clause
"Of course I would like him to stay, but you cannot keep a man against his will," he added. "In his contract, there is a clause which says he owes us €150,000 if he leaves early, but I would never ask him to pay this. It would be like a punishment, and it would make no sense to punish a man who worked hard and did a good job."

Protasov silent
Protasov has kept quiet about his future, preferring to focus on the remaining games of 2005, including the concluding matches of Steaua's UEFA Cup Group C campaign against Sweden's Halmstad and Germany's Hertha BSC Berlin.

Olaroiu option
However, the scene may be set for Cosmin Olaroiu to return to the club that sacked him prior to Becali's arrival three years ago. A few months after his dismissal, Becali said: "There will be a time when I will bring Olaroiu back." That time seems to have come.

Stoic Steaua
"The only solution is to get Cosmin Olaroiu," Becali retorted when asked of his plans in the event of Protasov's departure. "It would be very difficult to bring in another foreign coach." The players, meanwhile, will persevere. A close-knit squad, changes of coach do not appear to affect them that badly. For Steaua, that could be the vital factor.