FK Csíkszereda face two particularly difficult matches in the next four days: on Sunday evening against FCSB, followed by Wednesday’s clash with Metaloglobus. Both games will be played away from home.

FK Csíkszereda face two particularly difficult matches in the next four days: on Sunday evening against FCSB, followed by Wednesday’s clash with Metaloglobus. Both games will be played away from home.

As is well known, at the request of the reigning champions, the venues for the autumn and spring fixtures were swapped, meaning that this match was originally supposed to be played in Miercurea Ciuc. As a result, Sunday evening’s encounter, kicking off at 8:00 pm, will take place at the National Arena in Bucharest. From our point of view, the situation has turned out favorably in that there will be no long journey for the midweek round either, as Wednesday’s match will also be played near the capital, in Clinceni, starting at 4:00 pm.

The two fixtures were preceded by a joint home press conference. Due to a temporary health issue affecting head coach Ilyés Róbert, which is not expected to influence the trip, the coaching staff was represented by assistant coach Bajkó Barna. In the home matches earlier this season, FK Csíkszereda recorded draws in both encounters (1–1 against FCSB and 2–2 against Metaloglobus). While the point earned against the red-and-blues was considered a remarkable achievement, the draw against the bottom-placed side was clearly a disappointment. Both hosts are in desperate need of points: for FCSB, failing to keep the points at home could mean losing one of their last chances to reach the top group, while Metaloglobus, just like us, is fighting to avoid relegation, making a win against a direct rival extremely important.

Speaking about the match against FCSB, Bajkó Barna emphasized the strength of the opponent.
“We are facing a very good team with a strong squad, even though they are going through a difficult period. I believe this will be a very important match for both sides. If we talk about pressure, it may weigh more heavily on the home team, as they need to keep the points at home. Nevertheless, we are traveling to Bucharest with confidence: we have prepared thoroughly, analyzed their strengths and weaknesses,” he said.
He added: “One-on-one situations, current form, and how well we function both individually and as a team will decide the outcome. If we put in the work on the pitch, we will be rewarded with a point or points. Why not?”

The coach also addressed the issue of away form:
“We know that away matches have not suited us so far; we were easy to play through and conceded simple goals. We are working on this now, aiming to be more united and compact. If we can get through matches conceding few or even no goals, then we will have a real chance of picking up points.”

Bajkó Barna described the match against Metaloglobus as a true do-or-die encounter:
“We are facing a very tight schedule, so managing the games physically and mentally will be crucial. Both teams are near the bottom of the table, and it is extremely important how many points we take into the play-out, where the points are halved. This can be decisive in the final reckoning, so I am sure they will do everything for the three points. We are also going there to get the maximum out of what we can deliver. Once again, teamwork, unity and compactness will be key.”

A similarly determined attitude could be felt from the players as well. Bödő Zoltán Efraim said the team is fully aware of the importance of the coming days:
“We know that a tough period lies ahead, but we have a squad where everyone feels they are needed. Several players may get opportunities, also because of freshness, and that can give us an extra boost. We prepare the same way for every match and try to get the most out of each one.” He also spoke positively about the integration of the new signings:
“I feel they have been well integrated, and we have done a lot to help with that. We know the quality they represent, and this can only strengthen the team.”

Recently arrived Nagy Zoárd shared his personal impressions as well:
“I can honestly say that even though I’ve only been here for a week, it feels like I’ve been part of the team for months. The environment is very good, integration was easy, I feel comfortable and I’m happy to have made my debut.” Instead of individual goals, he highlighted team success: “What the staff and the team plan must be executed on the pitch. We need to collect points. If I can help with a goal or an assist, that’s a bonus, but the most important thing is for the team to be successful.”

The FCSB – FK Csíkszereda match in Round 24 will kick off on Sunday evening at 8:00 pm, while the Metaloglobus – FK encounter in Round 25 will be played on Wednesday at 4:00 pm. Both matches will be broadcast live, as usual, on Digi Sport 1 and Prima Sport 1.

Rédai Attila