Steaua Bucharest embarked on their summer training camp on Monday, July 7, heading to Bansko, Bulgaria, where they will remain until July 18. Under the guidance of head coach Daniel Oprița, the team aims to build cohesion and fitness during this 11-day camp, which includes a series of four friendly matches against regional second-division opponents.
The squad traveling to Bulgaria consists of 20 players, including three goalkeepers—Horia Iancu, Adrian Frănculescu, and Ianis Pletea—and 17 outfield players such as recent signings Mihai Adăscăliței, Ștefan Pacionel, Ianis Doană, Andrei Lascu, Mario Ioniță, Alex Gualda, and Ruben Lopez. Notably, the loan of goalkeeper Adrian Frănculescu from CFR Cluj has been extended. Meanwhile, the team has parted ways with several players, including Rareș Enceanu, Mihai Kereki, David Matei, and others, reflecting a significant squad reshuffle ahead of the new season.
Steaua’s friendly schedule in Bulgaria kicks off on July 9 against FC Samtredia from Georgia’s second league. This is followed by matches on July 12 and 15 against Bulgarian second-tier teams FC Hebar Pazardzhik and Marek Dupnitsa, respectively. The final friendly on July 17 is yet to have an opponent confirmed.
This camp is Steaua’s second of the summer and comes after a 4-3 domestic friendly win over CS Afumați. The club, which finished second in the Liga 2 playoff last season—a position normally granting promotion—remains barred from moving up to the top flight due to organizational status. Legislative efforts are underway to amend sports law to allow public-law clubs like Steaua promotion eligibility.
Coach Oprița’s focus during the camp will be on integrating new recruits and solidifying the squad’s tactical setup in preparation for the upcoming campaign. The choice of opponents from similar-level leagues provides a balanced competitive environment for assessing player form and team dynamics.
This Bulgarian camp marks a crucial phase for Steaua as they prepare to challenge for promotion once regulatory hurdles are resolved, with team cohesion and readiness as key priorities.