The 2010–11 season marked the 63rd chapter in
the storied history of FC Steaua București, a football club deeply embedded in
Romanian football culture. With George Becali at the helm as the owner and
Valeriu Argăseală serving as the president, Steaua București entered their 63rd
consecutive season in the top flight of Romanian football.
Leading the team on the field were a
succession of coaches throughout the season. Victor Pițurcă started the season
as the head coach, followed by Ilie Dumitrescu, Eduard Iordănescu in a
caretaker role, Marius Lăcătuș, Sorin Cârțu, and Gabriel Caramarin as a
caretaker coach. The coaching carousel reflected the challenges and expectations
faced by a club with a rich history and a passionate fanbase.
Stadionul Steaua served as the battleground
for Steaua București, witnessing the highs and lows of the season. In Liga I,
the team finished in 5th place, a position that might not have met the lofty
standards set by the club and its supporters. However, the season brought
redemption and joy in the Cupa României, where Steaua București emerged as the
winners, showcasing their resilience and determination in domestic competition.
The journey extended to the European stage
with participation in the UEFA Europa League. Unfortunately, the team couldn't
make a deep run, exiting the competition at the group stage. European
competition, with its unique challenges and diverse opponents, provided a
platform for Steaua București to test their mettle on a broader stage.
Bogdan Stancu emerged as the top goalscorer
for Steaua București during the season, finding the back of the net 13 times in
Liga I and 16 times across all competitions. His goal-scoring prowess played a
crucial role in the team's performances, contributing to both domestic and
European campaigns.
The home attendance figures at Stadionul
Steaua painted a vivid picture of the fans' dedication. The highest attendance,
approximately 25,000 spectators, witnessed a clash against Universitatea
Craiova on July 31, 2010, highlighting the passionate support the team enjoyed.
On the other end of the spectrum, a match against Gaz Metan Mediaș on November
14, 2010, took place behind closed doors, showcasing the consequences of
off-field events impacting the team.
In the grand tapestry of football, the 2010–11 season for Steaua București was a mix of triumphs and challenges. While the team may have fallen short of certain expectations in the league, the joyous victory in the Cupa României and the experience gained in European competition contributed to the rich history of this iconic club. As the season unfolded, it added another chapter to the legacy of FC Steaua București, a club that has etched its name into the annals of Romanian football.