“We talk to two very strong strangers, we can hit!” »Announces negotiations with a huge sponsor

Oil lived like in a carousel last season, between the limit of the play-off and the danger of relegation. And now, with the same financial problems in the treasury, it plans, however, a new more ambitious championship, having Liviu Ciobotariu on the bench. In a sincere dialogue with the GSP, the president of the “wolves”, Claudiu Tudor, speaks openly about the topics that burn up to the yellow-blue agenda.

“The club has worked over the last four years over its financial powers”

– Mr. Tudor, the start of the new season is approaching, another coach on the Petroleum Bank, what are the plans?
– We start a new road and I hope we have the same inspiration last year, when we built a very good batch. We could then sell players to complete our budget. There is nothing to hide on this topic. Oil has financial problems, but we found solutions every season. We assure the supporters that it will continue to be. The team goes on.

– A front question: Do we discuss a crisis situation?
– I don't know if it's a crisis. But a heavy situation is four years, now we enter the fifth similar season. The club worked beyond its financial powers, and this is somehow a reason for pride. The ones from the federation asks, from the world of football: What do those crazy people do there? With more support, we succeeded even more beautiful, that is, to climb into the play-off, to bring a cup of Romania to Ploiești.

It was a beautiful day for all the recent re -edition of the Romanian Cup final in 1995, with Rapid. I was a child then, I was 10 years old and went out to celebrate that performance. I liked Zafiris a lot, because it marked a lot, and that attracted me
Claudiu Tudor, President Petroleum

Claudiu Tudor (in the middle) participated in the end of last week in the festivities related to the 30th anniversary of the Romanian Cup final, Petrol – Dinamo. Photo: Cristi Preda (GSP)

“I submitted to Petrom a collaboration project, we could build a powerful club”

– What would, concretely, mean more support?
– I have always emphasized the need to support the authorities, businessmen from Prahova. We now have Florin Bercea, the former president from the time when the club was supported by Petrom and Petrol conquered the Romanian Cup since 1995.

– After 30 years, is it possible to resume this connection?
– We want and that's what we hope to happen. There are proposals and projects from us. For now, we are waiting! We would like to materialize, because, through the support of Petrom and OMV, we could build a very powerful club in Ploiești.

The oil receives 400,000 euros from the transfer of Mihnea Rădulescu to Craiova, plus 15% to resale. Photo: Facebook University Craiova

– You sold Mihnea Rădulescu, an important player for the club, in Craiova. A piece that is hard to cover!
– I sold it because it was a good price in the middle. The child also wanted to go there, which is just as important. When a player wants to leave and not leave him, everything can break at that time, imbalances would appear and he would not have focused on his club. And then, we considered it the right option, and the lack of money pushed us to take this step. But it turned out a win-win business on all levels and I am convinced that we will find solutions for that position.

Mihnea will not be easy in Craiova. I played three years there. It's a volcano. However, I want to play well, to give goals, because the oil will have to win from the percentage if the University will sell it further.
Claudiu Tudor, President Petrol, for gsp.ro

“Betis Sevilla was about to steal Rareș Manolache”

– I know there was a concrete proposal from Betis Sevilla for Rareș Manolache, the U15 international you have in the yard. Do you lose it?
-I went through a very difficult week, because this child could really disappear from the club! It is the best product of oil and, so to speak, all Romania is crazy about it. And Betis was about to steal it. But I thank Rareș and his parents for understanding the situation, so they will continue at Oil! We will immediately give him the chance to play in the first league, so you will see the next season by accumulating at least ten games at the age of 15!

The “Pearl” of Petroleum, Rareș Manolache (no. 10), also impressed in the Romanian T -shirt at tournaments in Italy and Croatia. Photo: frf.ro.

– What does it mean to have been about to steal Betis?
-I told myself that it is not possible for the oil to lose this child, whom I convinced to continue in Ploiești. There is this rule that, up to 16, a player can sign with anyone, and you, club, are related to hands and feet. I am happy that we have unraveled, and this child will remain for a long time in Petroleum. Thank you again for understanding!

I am glad that I made Rareș the centenary child, giving him to wear that t-shirt with the number 100 at the match at the festivity. It will also be an example for all Prahova kids that Petrol promotes young people and gives them the chance to get to Liga 1 early
Claudiu Tudor, President Petrol, for gsp.ro

“We can no longer bear Ticu's contract, but I proposed an extension”

– Do you still prepare something interesting in Mercato?
– We are close to two important purchases. Two very good strangers, a midfielder and a Winger. I can't give you a name, but it will be a big blow if we manage to bring them. They will give a very good face to the team. It is clear that the lot needs reinforcements, I discussed this with Ciobi.

– a very complicated situation with Ticu, the fourth operation. What are the recovery estimates?
– I do not hide that we have already held a discussion with him to extend the contract for another season, until the summer of 2027. We will hear the next few days to determine if this will be the common step to adjust and the financial theme. We want to be solidarity with him. It has a pretty good contract, we can no longer bear it, unfortunately, and we want to balance things through an additional season.

– But when should they return to the lawn?
– Probably by December or January, after which we will see his steps to return to the before. This child had a terrible misfortune!

Valentin Țicu goes through a nightmare after injury to his left knee

Last year we beat a long time for a place in the play-off. I want to finish next season in a higher position compared to 2025. Unfortunately, we had a great misfortune with the four injuries, Baiano, Bempah, Țicu and Dumitriu. Plus the sales of Zima, Tudorie and the terrible misfortune from the match with UTA
Claudiu Tudor, President Petrol, for gsp.ro

– Great also enters the last year of contract, right?
– Yes! And I told him already to force me through his game then another or two years of contract! Gicu identifies with oil, he is my younger brother! He returned to Ploiești at the same time as my arrival in the club and I hope he will stay here and after the footballer's career will end.