Pavel Badea says FCSB transfer rumors affected Steven Nsimba's performance

Pavel Badea, the president of CS Universitatea Craiova, stated that transfer speculation linking Steven Nsimba to FCSB has negatively impacted the player's recent performances. Badea noted that the rumors were not beneficial for Nsimba or the club's supporters, observing that the midfielder did not appear to be his usual self during recent matches.

The speculation centered on a potential move to FCSB that would have involved Aymen Boutoutaou and a fee of 900,000 euros. However, the transfer did not materialize. Badea acknowledged Nsimba's value but indicated that the uncertainty surrounding the failed deal had visible consequences on the pitch.

These comments followed CS Universitatea Craiova's victory over FC Botoșani. The champions controlled the first half, taking the lead through goals from David Matei and Assad Al Hamlawi. FC Botoșani reduced the deficit in the 51st minute when Bodișteanu scored after a defensive error by Laurențiu Popescu.

The goal conceded by Popescu ended a run of 616 minutes without conceding for CS Universitatea Craiova. Despite the late scare, the team held on for the win, which moved them to the top of the league table with 32 points.

In his post-match analysis, Badea also addressed the performance of Tavares, describing him as uninspired. While praising his effort, Badea noted that Tavares had not yet delivered the expected results. The team now turns its attention to their upcoming Conference League match against Egnatia.