Laurențiu Reghecampf begins his third stint in charge of FCSB on October 10, 2026, hosting Oțelul Galați at the Arena Națională. Inheriting an eleventh-place side sitting with 12 points after ten matches, the 51-year-old manager has already locked down his starting goalkeeper and reshaped his training regime.
Stefan Tarnovanu Secures the Starting Goalkeeper Role Under Laurentiu Reghecampf
Stepping back into the technical area after spells that spanned 2012 to 2014 and 2015 to 2017, Laurențiu Reghecampf has wasted no time making high-stakes personnel choices at FCSB. Despite a string of shaky outings during the current campaign, 26-year-old Ștefan Târnovanu enters the upcoming fixture against Oțelul Galați with his position fully guaranteed.
Târnovanu brings heavy mileage to the pitch. Since joining the club in 2020, the goalkeeper has appeared in 216 matches across all competitions, conceding 250 goals while keeping 73 clean sheets. His workload this season includes nine appearances, 20 goals conceded, and just two shutouts. Yet, as the manager prepares for his official touchline debut on October 10, Târnovanu stands out as the most experienced option available in the squad.
Tactical Adjustments and the Out-of-Favour Record Signing
Training sessions under the returning coach have pushed players hard, with general manager Mihai Stoica noting that the rigorous workouts have drawn complaints from some members of the squad. To sharpen match fitness, the technical staff organized a closed-door friendly featuring two 30-minute halves, providing valuable minutes to returning players.
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While tactical drills point toward a traditional 4-2-3-1 formation, the projected starting lineup leaves out Aymen Boutoutaou. The Algerian winger has logged 590 minutes across 11 matches with two goals to his name, though none in league play.
The projected starting eleven features Târnovanu in goal behind a back four of Valentin Crețu, Joyskim Dawa, Andre Duarte, and Pădurariu, supported by Muhar and Arad in defensive midfield, an attacking trio of David Miculescu, Andrea Cisotti, and Lirim Korenica, and Garita leading the line.
Fitness Boosts Offer Defensive Reinforcements for the Upcoming Fixture
The medical room has offered rare positive news during the international break. Dylan Batubinsika returned from international duty with the Democratic Republic of Congo after an MRI in Bucharest ruled out structural injury. Having previously travelled to Belgrade for treatment with Marijana Kovacevic following a muscular tear, the central defender is back in full training.
Meanwhile, Mihai Popescu is physically cleared after missing the entire season due to a knee inflammation that required platelet-rich plasma treatment. Club officials remain cautious with Popescu following a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in October 2025 during an international fixture against Austria, acknowledging that rushing his comeback in the spring was a mistake.
Laurențiu Reghecampf stated, We can do only one thing: win.
Denis Drăguș continues to work away from the main group following an injury sustained during his debut start in a 5-0 loss to Universitatea Craiova. Staff intend to manage his recovery carefully, likely sparing him against Oțelul Galați to ensure he is fully fit for the upcoming derby against Rapid.
FCSB Plans Winter Roster Overhaul After Winless Slide
The immediate challenge involves arresting a five-match winless slide in the league that includes a 2-2 draw with Petrolul and defeats to CFR Cluj, UTA Arad, Dinamo, and Universitatea Craiova. Sitting eleven points behind league leaders Dinamo, the club’s leadership views the winter transfer window as the primary opportunity to overhaul the roster.
Discussions are already underway regarding potential squad adjustments for January. Reports indicate that FCSB has explored a potential swap deal sending Boutoutaou and approximately 800,000 euro to Universitatea Craiova in exchange for Steven Nsimba, though the rival club values the transfer at a higher figure.