Steaua Bucharest commenced its summer training camp on Monday, July 7, in Bansko, Bulgaria, where the team will stay until July 18. Under the guidance of head coach Daniel Oprița, the second-division side will use this period not only to enhance squad cohesion but also to test themselves in four scheduled friendly matches.
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 new signings Mihai Adăscăliței, Ștefan Pacionel, Ianis Doană, Andrei Lascu, Mario Ioniță, Alex Gualda, and Ruben Lopez, alongside established team members.
Steaua’s friendly fixtures are set as follows:
– July 9: Against FC Samtredia from Georgia’s second division
– July 12: Versus FC Hebar Pazardzhik, a Bulgarian second division team
– July 15: Facing Marek Dupnitsa, another Bulgarian second-tier club
– July 17: Final friendly, opponent yet to be confirmed
Before departing, Steaua played a domestic friendly against CS Afumați, securing a narrow 4-3 victory, signaling a promising but work-in-progress team form.
This camp marks Steaua’s second major preparation phase this summer, coinciding with the inauguration of their new stadium in Ghencea on the same day, highlighting a period of renewal and ambition for the club.
Notably, the squad has undergone significant changes, with several players departing—such as Rareș Enceanu, Mihai Kereki, David Matei, and others—while the club has actively reinforced its roster with fresh talent aiming to lift the team’s competitive edge in Liga 2.
Coach Oprița’s primary goal during the camp is to rapidly integrate the new acquisitions and build a cohesive unit capable of mounting a strong promotion challenge in the upcoming season.