U Cluj’s vice-captain, Alexandru Chipciu, has revealed the team’s ambitious plans for the upcoming European League campaign, including a potential showdown with Dinamo Kiev. Chipciu, a seasoned player with 51 caps for Romania, expressed his confidence in the team’s abilities, stating, “If Real Madrid were in the draw, I think we’d fall!”
The Romanian club has been preparing for the new season, with a four-game friendly tournament in Bad Radkersburg, Austria. Chipciu emphasized the team’s determination to perform well, saying, “We’ve got a bigger squad this year, and we’re all focused on doing well.”
The European Challenge Ahead
Chipciu’s comments come as U Cluj gears up to face Dinamo Kiev in the first leg of the Europa League qualifiers. The Romanian side has a history of performing well in European competitions, and Chipciu believes they have a good chance of advancing. “We’ve played against Dinamo Kiev in the past, and we’ve had some great matches,” he said. “We’ll need to be at our best, but I think we can make it through.”
The potential for a dramatic upset against Dinamo Kiev has sparked excitement among U Cluj’s fans, with Chipciu urging them to support the team. “We’re going to give it our all, and we’ll see what happens. If we can make it to the next round, we’ll face PAOK, and if not, we’ll play against the Norwegians, who have always given us a tough match.”
Chipciu’s Views on the Europa League and Real Madrid
When asked about the possibility of facing Real Madrid in the Europa League, Chipciu quipped, “If we were to draw Real Madrid, I think we’d fall with them!” While this comment was meant to be humorous, it highlights the team’s realistic expectations. U Cluj knows they face a tough challenge, but they’re determined to make the most of it.
Chipciu’s Thoughts on Darius Olaru and the Romanian National Team
In a separate part of the interview, Chipciu expressed his admiration for former teammate Darius Olaru, who has joined Union St. Gilloise in Belgium. Chipciu revealed that he had considered joining the same club during his time at Anderlecht, but ultimately chose to stay in Romania. “I’m happy for Darius,” he said. “He’s a great player, and I’m sure he’ll do well at Union St. Gilloise.”
Chipciu also touched on his experiences playing for the Romanian national team, recalling his time at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. While he didn’t make it to the tournament, he expressed his pride in representing his country and his admiration for the team’s accomplishments.
A Word of Caution and Encouragement
In conclusion, Chipciu offered a word of caution and encouragement to U Cluj’s fans. “We’ll give it our all, and we’ll see what happens. If we can make it to the next round, we’ll face PAOK, and if not, we’ll play against the Norwegians, who have always given us a tough match.” With this determination and confidence, U Cluj is sure to make waves in the Europa League qualifiers.