It has been exactly one hundred and fifty days since Goran Kopunović joined our academy, taking charge of the youth team’s professional development. The head coach of the U18 side now evaluates the entire autumn season.

It has been exactly one hundred and fifty days since Goran Kopunović joined our academy, taking charge of the youth team’s professional development. The head coach of the U18 side now evaluates the entire autumn season.

“Today marks 150 days since I arrived, and from the very beginning I could see that this team has great potential. It was also clear that I would have to work hard to bring that potential out. First, we needed order in the dressing room, discipline had to be established, and the work ethic had to change.

After 150 days I am very satisfied and very proud of the boys. We worked incredibly hard to reach the level we are at now, at the end of this half-season. During this period we played 19 official matches – in the regular season, the Play-Off, and the Cup. Our record is 13 wins and 6 losses, with no draws. Five of the six defeats came away from home, against very strong teams that I respect a lot: Rapid, Universitatea Cluj, UTA, and FC Argeș.

Even when we lost, we never disgraced ourselves: we were in the game, competitive, and very close to earning points. For me, the 13–0–6 record is fantastic. In 19 matches we scored 37 goals and conceded 24, for a goal difference of +13. We consistently represented attacking football and went into every match wanting to win. Over these 150 days we succeeded in changing the mentality in this regard. The team as a whole, and the players individually, gained character. I represent the winning mentality – that is what I passed on to them, and fortunately they were receptive to it.

Now the first half of the season is over, we will take a short break, and when we return, we will work even harder. On 22 February we continue with a Cup match; with a home victory we can secure a quarter-final place. I like this competition because nothing is predetermined here. There are still nine matches remaining in the championship Play-Off, but everything must be preceded by strong winter preparations. It is crucial that our winter training goes well if we want a successful spring.

In the autumn season, 95 percent of the players were involved. Out of 22 players, 21 received substantial playing time, because for me every child, every player matters – and will continue to matter. If they are here at this excellent academy, they must be valued. Next year, those who played less will also get more opportunities. I continue to believe in hard work – and we keep going.

Another thing I am very proud of is that six players from the team had the chance to train with the senior squad this autumn, and two even made their SuperLiga debut: Előd Tóth-Pál and Luca Noveli. The latter played 45 minutes in our most recent match against FC Argeș and, in my opinion, performed very well. And Tóth-Pál Előd had an outstanding autumn season, scoring 16 goals for us. Congratulations to them – I am very proud of them!

It is a pleasure for me to help the senior team, the club, and head coach Róbert Ilyés, because this is the very essence of an academy: to provide talented players for the first team.

I wish everyone a blessed Christmas, happy holidays, and a happy New Year. I thank the club and academy leadership for the opportunity – I have received everything I needed to grow.”

R. A.