Who on earth are
they?
Founded in 1964, Otelul are the reigning Romanian champions,
having won the ‘Liga 1’ title for the first time last season.
Where is Galati?
Located in eastern Romania, Galati is home to a large
steel-producing seaport on the Danube. It is twinned with Coventry!
So, should United
fans be heading down to the port?
No, they will be 118 miles away as the game is being played
in Bucharest’s 55,600-capacity national stadium. Otelul’s Stadium holds just
13,500.
Who manages them?
Dorinel Munteanu, whose 134 caps is a Romania record. He is
fondly remembered for scoring in the dramatic 3-2 defeat of England at Euro
2000.
Is he any good?
Munteanu managed five clubs between 2005 and 2009. However,
he has found a home at Otelul, putting together a close-knit squad which he
guided to league and cup glory last season.
What is his secret?
Munteanu has focused on instilling ‘modesty, determination
and ambition’ into his team and the players have taken those beliefs to heart,
with some players even demanding a pay cut!
A modern-day
footballer asking for a pay cut, surely not?
The instigator of this was playmaker Gabriel Paraschiv, who demanded
that his £5,000-a-week wages should be cut by 30 per cent. He said that his
performances since his return from serious injury didn’t merit the amount of
money that he was receiving. Several players have followed his lead, which has
played a crucial part in keeping the club alive financially
So Otelul have had
some financial problems?
Unfortunately, yes. They have a small stadium without
floodlights and Indian steel firm Arcelor Mittal withdrew their
£2million-a-year sponsorship.
They must have some
decent players. Who will pose a threat to United?
Paraschiv is a cult hero who, at 33, is enjoying an Indian
summer to his career. He is clever on the ball and Otelul will be looking to
him for inspiration. Striker Marius Pena, 26, was their highest scorer last
season with eight league goals.
How are they looking
ahead of arguably their biggest ever match?
Not great. They are ninth in the Liga 1 and have lost five
of their last 10 games in all competitions, including ties against Basle and
Benfica in the Champions League.
It would surely take a miracle for Otelul to beat United, but stranger
things have happened...
United will face the Romanian with the ultimate mission to secure their first win in UCL for this season. Rooney said to be in the starting line up. But Ferdinand was not in the trip to Romania.
Aiyaaa got to go maaa...but the interesting fact that The Red Devils began their legendary 1998-99 European
campaign with two draws, but eventually ended up conquering Europe.
So glory glory United
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