Universitatea look to Lung

Supporters protest
Lacatus arrived at Universitatea's headquarters to sign a contract, having agreed last night to replace the sacked Nicolo Napoli. However, after being pushed by a group of about 30 supporters protesting against his appointment, the former Romanian international decided against taking the job and simply walked away.

Anger
The fans had daubed messages on to the walls of the building where the press conference announcing Lacatus's appointment was to take place. The reason for their anger was Lacatus's long association as a player with FC Steaua Bucuresti, a club despised by the Craiova public.

Napoli brought back
Instead club owner Dinel Staicu and Pavel Badea - the newly installed executive president - opted to appoint Lung, a former player and assistant coach of the club. Even this selection is not straightforward, however, as Napoli, the man Lung is officially replacing, has been brought back as assistant coach.

'Assistant coach on paper'
Napoli had been fired on Tuesday after Universitatea realised he lacked the required coaching qualifications. Staicu explained: "Napoli will lead the team. But, because he doesn't have the necessary coaching licence, he will be the assistant coach on paper."

Fourth in table
Universitatea, who are fourth in the Divizia A table ahead of the season's resumption on 6 March, have had three other coaches this campaign. Sorin Cartu, Gheorghe Ciurea and Pavel Badea all came and went prior to Napoli's initial appointment in December.