Romanian football is eagerly anticipating the big match between Universitatea Craiova and Universitatea Cluj, especially as the Oltenii could become champions on Sunday evening. Erik Lincar (47 years old), the coach who promoted U Cluj to the Superliga, has made it clear that he will support the Ardeleni in Bănie, even though he coached in Craiova in 2013.
After leading FC Bihor to the top four in Liga 2, Lincar will take time to watch the match in Craiova. The technical expert has experience in both Bănie and Cluj-Napoca and now believes that the tens of thousands of fans who will support Craiova can "tip the balance" in the penultimate stage of the Superliga playoffs.
"It might be another nostalgic game, like the Romanian Cup final, because now it's a game like a championship. Two very good teams are meeting, and the factor that can make a difference is the audience, who will come in large numbers to support Universitatea Craiova. They can tip the balance in the end," Lincar confessed to ProSport before the big match in Craiova.
The technician, who is approaching his 50th birthday, cannot forget the double with Dinamo at the qualifiers and acknowledges that he is closer to the project at U Cluj, given the open conflict he witnessed between the current team and the formation supported by Adrian Mititelu at Craiova.
Lincar follows everything that moves at U Cluj and is convinced that the Ardeleni have the strength to become champions next season, if not this season. "I can say that I am much closer to Universitatea Cluj, even though I coached in Craiova. I had a great year at U Cluj, leading the team to the Superliga. And I am happy for all the positive results I have achieved. Now, I believe they deserve to be Romanian champions. If it doesn't happen now, I am convinced that everything can go perfectly next season, as they have always been progressing and climbing in the standings. In contrast, in Craiova, I experienced a period of great tension in the city, with those divergences between teams. I didn't last long, but it was a pleasure to coach in Bănie," he concluded to ProSport before the big match in Bănie.
This match is crucial for both teams, but it feels like Craiova has the home advantage with their passionate fans. Will Cluj manage to overcome the odds, or will Craiova's fervent support seal their championship fate? Let's see who can handle the pressure and come out on top!