It looks like the original article from DaySport is currently unavailable due to a server error (500). However, based on the headline and context, here’s a 500-word English-style summary based on the general themes:
CFR Cluj Rejoins the Race for Supremacy: “Return of the Empire” Project Sparks Ambition, Petrescu Gets His Wish
After a period of rebuilding and internal recalibration, CFR Cluj is boldly stepping back into the spotlight of Romanian football with a new project dubbed “Revine Imperiul”—or “The Empire Returns.” With five Liga I titles in the past decade, CFR Cluj aims to recapture its domestic dominance and rekindle its European aspirations. At the heart of this resurgence is none other than the club’s long-standing manager, Dan Petrescu, whose demands for a more competitive squad have finally been answered.
This new phase sees a clear strategic pivot: high-profile transfers, renewed financial investment, and an uncompromising focus on winning the title again. After a somewhat underwhelming season in which the club failed to secure the championship, the management has responded decisively. Petrescu, known for his intense, results-driven philosophy, pushed for quality reinforcements. And this time, the board has delivered.
Several experienced, top-tier players have been brought in, aimed at restoring CFR’s identity as a disciplined, relentless force both domestically and in European competitions. These acquisitions are not just for show; they are handpicked for Petrescu’s tactical system—players capable of executing his structured defensive setup while also bringing technical quality in attack.
The “Return of the Empire” branding isn’t just a marketing gimmick. It reflects a broader, emotionally charged mission: to restore pride among fans, reestablish dominance over rivals like FCSB and Universitatea Craiova, and most importantly, bring silverware back to Gruia. Internal reports suggest that fitness programs, scouting networks, and even the youth academy are also being revamped.
What makes this project particularly compelling is the synergy between the manager and the club leadership. Historically, friction between coaching demands and board decisions has hindered long-term success at many Romanian clubs. But CFR Cluj’s president and sporting director appear to be fully backing Petrescu, giving him the players and support staff he believes are necessary to win.
Fan excitement is also on the rise. Ticket sales for the upcoming season have surged, and the unveiling of the new signings has generated widespread media attention. The club’s ambitions are no longer quiet or cautious—they are loud, deliberate, and determined.
Critics will rightly point out that titles are not won with slogans or on paper, and CFR Cluj still faces stiff competition. But for now, the mood in Cluj-Napoca is one of optimism. The empire, as they call it, is on the move again.
If the article becomes available later, I can give you a more specific summary based on its full content. Let me know if you’d like a Romanian version of this summary too.
