Last season, we celebrated our first Superliga victory against Universitatea Cluj, and this time we welcome U in pursuit of our second league win this year.

Last season, we celebrated our first Superliga victory against Universitatea Cluj, and this time we welcome U in pursuit of our second league win this year. In the match that brings the first half of the regular season to a close, we can build on the brave performance away at Rapid, more accurate finishing and the support of our fans. Valentin Suciu emphasised the importance of home advantage, while Soufiane Jebari, returning from a long injury lay-off, is ready to help the team again.

We face an opponent in good form at the Municipal Stadium on Saturday. After a 2–2 draw against Argeș, Universitatea Cluj won 3–0 away at Corvinul Hunedoara before beating FCSB 1–0 on Monday. Seven points from their last three league matches and two consecutive wins without conceding underline the need for a disciplined, organised performance from us.

Our draw in Galați and our first league win against Voluntari showed signs of progress, but we were unable to add to our points tally away at Rapid. Despite the 2–0 defeat in Giulești, there were positives to build on: we attacked with courage, created clear chances and continued to look for an equaliser after falling behind. With more accurate finishing and a little luck, we could have achieved a better result.

Our aim remains to collect as many points as possible before the play-out begins, taking each match as it comes, regardless of the opposition. The decisive stage of the battle to avoid relegation will come then, but we are already shaping our chances now. Home fixtures are particularly important in that respect.

The clash against U Cluj will be our fifth league match since Valentin Suciu returned as head coach. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, our coach said Saturday’s result would carry considerable weight in assessing the record so far.

“It is difficult to take stock. We certainly could have had more points, but we still have one match left. If we collect the three points, then I will say our record is positive,” he said.

Our head coach once again stressed that the next task is more important right now than longer-term plans. The season is long and there are still plenty of points to play for, but our results in the present will determine the opportunities ahead.

“The most important thing is always the next week, the next match. These games are vital, especially at home, where we need to regain the confidence we used to have. Whoever comes here must have to work extremely hard to have any hope of getting something. And we must not give them that hope. Right now, we are focused solely on keeping the points at home, and then we will see how to move forward.”

Weather conditions are currently the main obstacle to preparations, but Suciu was pleased with the players’ attitude.

“We have been able to work well so far. The boys have committed themselves to the work and responded positively to the tasks. Gradually, that will bring results,” he said.

Last year’s 2–1 victory against U naturally came up at the press conference too. Our coach believes, however, that alongside those happy memories, we must focus on the demands of the upcoming match.

“I expect a difficult game against a very good team. What happened last year was a year ago; this is a completely different match. Our previous results have indeed been favourable, particularly at home, but the present is what matters most now. This is our most important match, and we are focused on getting the three points.”

Soufiane Jebari also attended the press conference, having returned from a lengthy absence against Voluntari. Our midfielder scored in Galați in March but suffered an injury late in the match, which kept him out of action for seven months.

“To be honest, it was a very difficult period. At least I was able to have the operation at home, so I could be with my family, which meant a lot. After that, I had to work very hard on my recovery. Anyone who has had a serious injury or surgery knows how much work awaits in the gym to regain muscle strength. Thank God, I am fine now, I can train with the team and try to help,” he said, reflecting on the months behind him.

Jebari said he is physically ready to play and is waiting for another opportunity.

“I have been training with the team for quite some time now, and I feel one hundred per cent. I will be in the squad on Saturday, and I am waiting for my chance.”

He is well aware of Universitatea Cluj’s strength but believes the week’s preparations and the backing of the home crowd can bring the desired result.

“Everyone knows we are going through a difficult period and that every match is very tough. Cluj are a strong team and a tough opponent. We have spent the whole week analysing their game and looking for weaknesses we can exploit to get the points. Our only chance is to give everything on the pitch. We are playing at home, in front of our own supporters, and that can give us more confidence. Only by giving our all can we keep the points at home.”

The memory of last year’s encounter also gives him encouragement: “We have good memories of the home match against U. Hopefully, we can celebrate in the same way after the final whistle this time too.”

FK Csíkszereda will face Universitatea Cluj in Round 15 of the Superliga regular season on Saturday, 7 November, at 15:00 at the Municipal Stadium in Miercurea Ciuc. The match will be broadcast live on Digi Sport 1 and Prima Sport 1. Tickets will be available at the stadium, with the ticket office opening one hour before kick-off, at 14:00.

Come on, FK! Come on, Szereda! Come on, Szeklerland!