Bro, grab a soda and sit down, because Rapid has gone into "war" mode! After a season where we made fools of ourselves and stayed home without European cups, these guys finally woke up and announced the training program for 2026-2027. I mean, exactly what I used to do when I missed the play-off on bets: I'd get up, drink a coffee, and say "I'll get to work on Monday." Well, the reunion is soon, the training camp is coming, friendlies, all that. The new SuperLiga starts on the weekend of July 18-19, so you still have time to stock up on beer and get your nerves in check.
Now, the main character is Daniel Pancu, back at Rapid after a break. At the presentation, the man dropped some words like jabs: "The player must play for the one who pays him, not for the coach. It's mandatory to train 100% daily, because he's paid, he has a salary, he doesn't go to work and doesn't wake up like someone who has kids at home and bank loans." Right then I felt Mioara grabbing me by the scruff: "See, Costel, that's how you have to suck up to the boss too, not complain about loans!" Well, look, Pancu knows how it is: you work for those who pay you, not for egos. That's how it's done, bro!
But let's not forget about Săpunaru, who's in a legal dispute with the club. Pancu said "I don't think there are cordial relations" and that he asked him at the Steaua match, but "these are hard things to resolve." What can I say, it's like when I had a dispute with the neighbor downstairs over a parking spot: we kissed and made up, but I still can't leave my BMW there in peace. Same with Săpunaru - it'll take a while.
The first goal, says Pancu, is qualifying for the play-off. He says: "I can't wait to work at a club that pays on time. If I managed under tougher conditions, I don't think I'll have problems." And he throws out another line: "I would like, if there are players who want to leave CFR, either free agents or who would want to come... one or two, but not the ones that appeared in the newspaper." I mean, bro, Rapid is eyeing CFR and making eyes, like me when I see a new Audi at a traffic light. But for now, we have a national team goalkeeper, we shouldn't talk about another goalkeeper - so no one gets upset.
Until then, I'm mentally preparing for the new season. I'll go to Fane's terrace, order some grilled sausages and beer, and curse the referee from the first match. What do you say, will Rapid make the play-off this year? I say yes, if Pancu puts the boys to work like he says. And if not, at least we'll have something to comment on over beer!
