Dinamo discord suits Steaua
Friday, April 14, 2006
Article summary
Monthly review: FC Steaua Bucuresti have crept back to the top of the Romanian First Division after a grim month for FC Dinamo Bucuresti.
Article body
UEFA Cup semi-finalists FC Steaua Bucuresti have crept back to the top of the Romanian First Division following a grim month for FC Dinamo Bucuresti.
Marin effect
New coach Florin Marin has failed to bring much stability to Dinamo after being appointed the club's fourth coach since December earlier this month; a 1-1 draw against Steaua followed by a 3-0 loss to AFC Rapid Bucuresti have seen Dinamo toppled from top spot. As a further sign of discord at the club, forward Florin Bratu was sent to the reserve team following the latter game for refusing to be brought on as an 89th-minute substitute.
Goal difference
Steaua are now top thanks to a vastly superior goal difference, and can open up a three-point gap if they win their game in hand. Cosmin Olaroiu's side have overcome an injury to leading scorer Victoras Iacob and are unbeaten in the league since 5 November. Rapid have also been consistent since the restart, with the win against Dinamo underlining their ability to take their chances, as veteran Viorel Moldovan scored twice before Daniel Niculae completed the victory from the penalty spot.
Cup focus
Rapid's main focus is no longer on the league as the Romanian Cup looks like their best chance of picking up silverware this season - they are 4-1 up from the first leg of their semi-final against FC Petrolul Ploiesti and on course for the final. FC Sportul Studentesc are above Rapid in third place in the table after new coach Gheorghe Multescu helped them surge up from eighth spot. Their form has been in stark contrast with that of Gheorghe Hagi's FCU Politehnica Timisoara, who have had a miserable time in 2006.
Hagi gloom
Hagi has refused to countenance quitting, saying: "I am staying because I respect the people who brought me here and because I promised to be part of the medium and long-term project." However, with senior players Alin Stoica and Gabriel Caramarin being sent to train with the reserves due to perceived lack of discipline, all is not well with the Romanian legend's side.
