Steaua Bucharest owner Gigi Becali has vowed he will sack interim coach
Massimo Pedrazzini if his side lose at home to Arsenal in the Champions League
tomorrow.
Pedrazzini took the reins on a temporary basis last month following the shock
resignation of Gheorghe Hagi, who blamed ongoing tension with Begali.
The 49-year-old Pedrazzini has overseen two victories so far - 4-0 at Bacau in
the cup and 1-0 against Vaslui in the league on Saturday - but it seems the
Italian has not yet earned the backing of the owner.
'If we lose tomorrow, Pedrazzini will be sacked,' said Becali, perhaps in a
bid to motivate his players, who have each been promised a £20,000 bonus if they
overcome the Gunners.
Pedrazzini believes he has done all he can at Steaua to date, and claims even
former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho would struggle if handed the post.
He said: 'Becali should bring Mourinho at Steaua, because he is free too.
'Becali should say to Mourinho: `You are coach of Steaua, you have three
matches. You win them, you stay. You lose one of them, you go'.
'And he also should tell him that one of these matches is against Arsenal.
Even Mourinho would have big problems. Nobody can perform miracles.'
Pedrazzini is expecting a difficult encounter against the Barclays Premier
League leaders.
He said: 'Arsenal don't have weaknesses. We must play fast football.
'We must be clever and we must run a lot. Arsenal are a very powerful team.
'Two years ago they reached the final of Champions League. If our players
want to make history, they will have to work at double the rate of at normal
match.
'This is a very important match. Arsenal will come here to win, but they will
not underestimate us.'
Eugen Baciu is set to deputise at centre-back with Dorin Goian a major doubt
due to a back injury.
Sports manager Adrian Ilie said: 'Goian will not play against Arsenal. The
doctors are trying to get him fit, but the chances are too small. If he
continues playing with the injury, Goian will have big problems.'
