Costel Gâlcă stated that Manea has made significant progress after an injury and deserves to be in the national team. He said that players go through bad periods and want to leave for other clubs. Gâlcă hopes that those who want to leave, including Manea, will do so at the end of the season, and he also emphasized the importance of continuity.

Romanian defender Cristi Manea, 27, has expressed his desire to leave Rapid because he wants more playing time. He has only started once in the new season and is considering a departure after evaluating his playing opportunities. Victor Angelescu, a minority shareholder at Rapid, stated they are not in any negotiations currently, but if a good offer comes, they will consider it. Manea still has around two years left on his contract, and Rapid will not force any player to stay against their will. According to Transfermarkt, the player's current market value is €1.70m.