2014-09-17 03:51:21

When talking about the last two season, which saw Universitatea maintain their place in the Romanian first division, it's hard not to mention Dan Bucșa, the captain of Transylvania's team. He's played 54 matches in the top flight, 52 of which were for Universitatea, as well as 108 matches in the second divison (19 for Universitatea and 89 for Dinamo București) and a match in the Adeplast League Cup. Universitatea's number "5" has represented Romania's U23 side in 2009 and has played 14 matches in Germany's Western region league. "U"'s captain shared his thoughts, memories, and hopes in the following interview done by the suporters' site. 

ucluj.ro: What memories come to mind when you think about the start of your footballing career?

Dan Bucşa: I have many fond memories, winning the Junior national championship with Dinamo, Universitatea's promotion in Liga 1, my debut in Liga 1, and my first goal scored in Liga 1 come to mind.

ucluj.ro: Do you look up to a role model? If you do, who sets a high standard for you in regards to football?

Dan Bucşa: I don't really look up to anyone, but several players have taught me a lot. Dănciulescu, Marius Niculae, Ema Dolha, Cosmin Moţi, Cătălin Munteanu and many others with whom I've played with at Dinamo and at "U" have taught me a lot.

ucluj.ro: Throughout your career, managers have used you in different formations (4-4-2; 4-3-3; 4-2-3-1 etc.). Do you play well in a certain formation?

Dan Bucşa: I don't have a preferred formation. When you have the chance to play, any system works.

ucluj.ro: What was the best moment in your career? What was the worst?

Dan Bucşa: I've had many great moments in my career, but I'm not sure if I've had any bad moments. If anything, I've had to put up with some bad luck, but all of our lives have good and bad moments.

ucluj.ro: What impressed you during you time at SV Bergisch Gladbach?

Dan Bucşa: Even though they were in the 4th division, I was impressed by the players' quality and their passion for the game. Germany doesn't dominate world football for no reason. I hope I'll have the chance to play in Germany again.

ucluj.ro: What comes to mind when you think about your call-up to Romania's U23 squad?

Dan Bucşa: It was a great time. I was very happy that Mr. Lucescu appreciated my work. I've only learned good things there.

ucluj.ro: What qualities do you think made you Universitatea Cluj's captain as well as Dinamo II's?

Dan Bucşa: Probably the fact that I took training seriously as well as my will to win and to give it my all for my team.

ucluj.ro: Which league do you think would suit you best?

Dan Bucşa: I'm not sure which league, but I'd love to play in Germany or England.

ucluj.ro: Which team would you want to play for?

Dan Bucşa: There's many teams that any player wants to play for: Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund...

ucluj.ro: Which players in Romania's top flight have impressed you the most? 

Dan Bucşa: I really liked Texeira from Petrolul last season - he's a quality player.

ucluj.ro: Who or what convinced you to sign for Universitatea last season given that the team looked close to relegation?

Dan Bucşa: It was a great opportunity for me. I didn't want to return to Germany and I had read about "U"'s situation in the press. I called Pappi (Marius Popescu) and I recieved great news: I was invited to training!

ucluj.ro: What's your fondest memory at "U" Cluj?

Even though avoiding relegation isn't necessarily a great achievement, doing so with "U" brought me many fond memories as well as some great matches. The fans' joy is my fondest memory - they celebrated each win like we'd won the Champion's League. It was incredible!

ucluj.ro: In your time at "U" you've had the chance to work with many managers. Have any of them instilled a particular mindset in the team?

Dan Bucşa: I've learned something from each manager that I've worked with. Each one had their own philosophy for the team; us players always have something to learn.

ucluj.ro: What are your personal goals for the 2014-2015 season?

Dan Bucşa: The main thing is to stay healthy. I'm going to give my best effort for the team and I hope that we'll win as many matches as possible to make our fans happy.

ucluj.ro: Considering the current squad, the training that the team has done and how the other teams in Liga 1 have played so far, what do you think "U" can do in the league and in the two cups?

Dan Bucşa: We have a very competitive squad filled with quality players. We need to win as many matches as possible. We'll see what we can accomplish at the end of the season! It'd be nice to win a trophy.

ucluj.ro: What would you like to tell the fans reading this site?

Dan Bucşa: I want to thank them for the atmosphere that they create at every match and for the way they support us. I hope they'll come in great numbers to our matches!

Personal Info

Name: Dan Mihai Bucșa

Date of Birth: June 23rd, 1988

Height: 182 cm

Position: Defensive midfielder

Teams that he's played for: Unirea Dej; Luceafărul Dej; Dinamo Bucureşti; Dinamo Bucureşti II; SV Bergisch Gladbach 09; Universitatea Cluj 

Goals scored: One goal in Liga 1 (Ceahlăul Piatra-Neamţ-Universitatea Cluj 1-1 (64th minute) - 2/24/2014); four goals in Liga 2 (all scored for Dinamo II).

Yellow cards: 14

Red cards: 1 (FC Botoşani-Universitatea Cluj 1-1  (55th minute) - 07.10.2013)

Debut in Liga 1: 21.03.2012 in Oţelul Galaţi-Dinamo Bucureşti (1-1).

Violeta Merie