Universitatea Craiova, the reigning Romanian champions, is gearing up for one of the most crucial matches of the early season as they face Levski Sofia, Bulgaria, in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the Champions League qualifiers.
The Romanian side, under the guidance of coach Filipe Coelho, has been touted as one of the top contenders in the Romanian league, and their confidence is not unwarranted. Emil Săndoi, a seasoned coach with experience in Romanian football, believes that Universitatea Craiova has what it takes to make a significant impact in the Champions League qualifiers.
The Optimism of Emil Săndoi
A former champion of Romania with Universitatea Craiova in 1991, Săndoi is now working with Poli Iași, but his words on Craiova’s chances have ignited a spark of optimism among the team’s supporters. Speaking in an interview, Săndoi expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to overcome Levski Sofia and even reach the playoff stage of the Champions League.
A Strong Start and a Promising Squad
Săndoi points out that despite the unexpected defeat to AEK Atena, Universitatea Craiova has gained valuable experience in international competitions and has a talented squad that is putting into practice the principles they have learned in a relatively short period. Even when they don’t dominate, the team seems to have control over the game, and Săndoi believes that this is a testament to their strength and cohesion.
Simon Elisor – A Key Player
Săndoi has also praised the team’s new signing, Simon Elisor, a talented forward who has made a significant impact since joining the team. According to Săndoi, Elisor’s skills, particularly in combination play, make him a valuable asset to the team. The coach believes that Elisor’s ability to drop deep and combine with midfielders will be crucial in unlocking Levski Sofia’s defense.
Looking Ahead to the Match
Despite not being present at the match in Sofia, Săndoi will be keeping a close eye on the proceedings. He acknowledges that the match will be a challenge, but he remains optimistic about the team’s chances. With the level of competition in the Champions League qualifiers, Săndoi believes that Universitatea Craiova has the potential to cause an upset and even reach the playoff stage.
As the match approaches, all eyes will be on Universitatea Craiova and their ability to overcome Levski Sofia. Will they be able to make a statement in the Champions League qualifiers, or will they succumb to the might of their Bulgarian opponents? Only time will tell.