The Romanian capital’s flagship club, FCSB, entered the international break with a flurry of high‑profile changes that have already set the tone for a volatile second half of the season. The 51‑year‑old former Steaua legend Laurențiu Reghecampf was installed as the club’s sporting director, tasked with restoring a side that has slipped from the top of the Liga 1 table. At the same time, 27‑year‑old forward Denis Drăguș, signed earlier this summer on a lucrative deal, suffered a muscle injury in his first start, prompting questions about his fitness and the wisdom of the club’s spending spree.
FCSB appoints Reghecampf as sporting director
Reghecampf’s arrival was announced with a €1 million‑per‑year contract that immediately sparked debate among fans and pundits. The former Romania international brings a résumé that includes a league title with Steaua in 2013, a stint as head coach of the national team, and recent experience as sporting director at Al‑Hilal. Supporters hope his tactical acumen and deep ties to the club will translate into smarter recruitment and a more disciplined squad. Critics, however, point to his mixed record in recent years and wonder whether the salary package will strain an already tight budget.
The appointment also signals a shift in the power dynamics at the club, traditionally dominated by owner Gigi Becali. Reghecampf is expected to act as a buffer between the owner’s impulsive transfer decisions and the coaching staff’s tactical needs. In theory, his presence should curb the “buy‑now‑play‑later” mentality that has plagued FCSB since the 2019‑20 season, when a series of short‑term signings failed to deliver consistent results. Whether the new sporting director can impose order remains to be seen, but the early signs suggest a more methodical approach is being pursued.
Injury woes and the future of Denis Drăguș at FCSB
The excitement surrounding Drăguș’s signing quickly turned to disappointment when he limped off after just 30 minutes in his debut start against Universitatea Craiova. The forward, who earned 15 caps for Romania before moving to the Bucharest side, was expected to provide a much‑needed goal‑scoring punch. Former Romanian international Sabin Ilie did not mince words, stating that the player “was put on a pedestal by Becali and is now paying the price.” Ilie warned that the pressure of high expectations, combined with a rushed integration into a new tactical system, could derail Drăguș’s development if not managed carefully.
Ilie’s criticism extends beyond the individual injury. He highlighted a pattern where young Romanian talents are thrust into the limelight without adequate support, leading to a cycle of underperformance and loss of confidence. In Drăguș’s case, the lack of match rhythm – he had not played competitively for several months before the transfer – may have contributed to the strain that caused the injury. The club’s medical staff now faces the task of rehabilitating him swiftly while ensuring he returns at full capacity, a delicate balance that will test the new sporting director’s crisis‑management skills.
David Miculescu, another promising forward who joined FCSB in the same window, finds himself in a similar predicament. Miculescu, a product of the club’s own academy, has been praised for his versatility and work rate, yet Ilie predicts he will also be “put on a pedestal” and suffer the consequences of premature hype. The parallel between the two youngsters underscores a broader issue: the club’s tendency to elevate new signings to hero status before they have proven themselves on the pitch. This approach can erode morale and create a fragile environment where a single setback, like an injury, triggers a cascade of doubt.
Beyond individual players, FCSB’s recent league performance has been a roller‑coaster. After a strong start to the 2026‑27 campaign, the team slipped to fourth place following a string of draws and narrow defeats. The club’s defensive frailties have been exposed, while the attack has struggled to find consistency despite the presence of seasoned veterans such as Florin Tănase and emerging talents like Miculescu. Reghecampf’s mandate includes tightening the back line and integrating the new forwards without disrupting team chemistry – a task complicated by the owner’s penchant for public commentary on player form.
Looking ahead, the next few months will be decisive for FCSB’s ambitions. If Reghecampf can negotiate a steady recovery for Drăguș, protect Miculescu from undue pressure, and bring a strategic vision to the transfer market, the club could reclaim a top‑two finish and a spot in European competition. Conversely, failure to address these issues may see the team fall