Article by Justin Gafiuc – Published Saturday, March 28, 2026, 00:10 / Updated Saturday, March 28, 2026 00:27
Turkish coach Mehmet Topal (40 years old) is coming to Romania today to sign with Petrolul Ploiesti. GSP has details on the move.
Petrol is in a desperate situation in the Super League. They lost their first two play-out games and dropped to the play-off spot, just one point ahead of direct relegation.
The management of the “wolves” took the decision to dismiss the coach Eugen Neagoe and moved quickly in the negotiations with the replacement.
Mehmet Topal returns to Ploiesti
The first option was Mehmet Topal, the Turk who left a good impression at the first dismount in Ploiesti.
According to the information of the Gazette, Topal will arrive in Romania today to finalize the final details and to initial the agreement, 99% of things have been finalized.
Mehmet would arrive at the friendly match with FC Voluntari, scheduled today, in Snagov, from 14:00.
The contract he will sign will last until the end of the season, with an option to extend it for another year, if Prahoven will save themselves from relegation.
Mehmet Topal
- Mehmet Topal trained the “yellow wolves” twice, in the periods July – December 2024 and March – May 2025, and left an excellent impression in Ploiesti.
The debut in the new term would be on April 6, from 17:30 at home, against Csikszereda.
Mehmet Topal: “Beautiful moments at Petrolul”
Before the play-off won by Turkey against Romania, score 1-0, Mehmet Topal gave an interview to Gazeta Sporturilor. He also spoke about the time he spent at the Petrol bank:
This year I dedicated it to my development, studies and Pro license. I wanted to move on with a clear mind. There were interesting projects, but I wanted it to be a year for me. Today we are here, tomorrow we don't know where we will be. At Petrolul I lived an intense and interesting period. It's a place in my soul. Maybe I'll go back there sometime.
At Petrolul we spent many beautiful and difficult moments. We always tried to stay positive and do what was right. For me, everything I experienced there was special. I couldn't name just one thing. At Petrolul we had many talented young people: Mihnea Rădulescu, Boțogan, Denis Radu, Stancovici.
– Mehmet Topal, for GSP.ro
