Dundee United defender Iurie Iovu has addressed swirling transfer exit rumors, insisting he is fully focused on the club's upcoming Premier Sports Cup group stage clash against The Spartans. The Moldovan international, who has attracted interest from Portuguese clubs, emphasized his commitment to Tannadice as he seeks to exorcise the ghosts of last season's red card against the same opposition.
Redemption mission against The Spartans
Iovu was sent off during a Scottish Cup tie against The Spartans in February, though United managed to secure a 2-1 victory. Reflecting on the incident, the 24-year-old said: "Yes, of course, the last game was unlucky for me. Yes, of course, I was surprised. I didn't intend to foul him and get a red card. I just wanted to use my body but it's part of football and I'm not a referee. I should learn from that mistake, do better, try to win, play good and not get a red card."
United now face a must-win encounter against the League Two side after a shock 1-0 defeat to Montrose in their opening group match. To have any chance of progressing, they need a convincing victory, preferably by multiple goals. Iovu acknowledged the urgency: "It's a must. We just need to win and to go with a positive mind in the league campaign. We just need to win. We know that we need goals because of our bad game against Montrose. We hope our strikers will score as many as possible."
Transfer speculation dismissed
Despite reported interest from Portugal and other European clubs, Iovu remains grounded. The former Cagliari and Venezia defender, who has one year remaining on his contract with United holding an option for an additional 12 months, stated: "I'm focused now on here and Dundee United. I still have one year more contract. I'm delighted to be here. I'm loving the time here."
Having completed his first full season in Scotland, Iovu feels more settled and confident. "You know the teams now, you know the football. I guess it's a lot more familiar. Yes, of course, it's a big advantage after one year and so many games played. You get more experience and you get used to everything. In general, with the country, with the league and also with my teammates and the coach. I hope this year will be better," he added.
Adapting to new system
Under manager Jim Goodwin, United have adopted a more expansive 4-3-3 formation, moving away from a three-man defense. Iovu is enjoying the increased freedom to build from the back. "It's about consistency and trying to play simple football. Because usually if you play simple, you win the games. You don't try to complicate yourself. For me personally, I think it's a great experience. I felt that I developed and now I think that I improved in some point of my abilities. But still, it's so much to do," he said.
Helping new signings settle
With several new arrivals, including New Zealand World Cup star Jesse Randall, Iovu has taken on a mentoring role. "Yes, of course, it's part of football. It's always new signings and a lot of guys left. I try to help our guys to adapt. I think we are enjoying it and we are very good guys. It's very nice to meet new people. I love this part of football because you can have friends from all around the world. You always have something to talk about," he explained.
