“It would be unbearable for Turkey to lose against Romania” + What he says about a return to Petrolul

Mehmet Topal is currently in Istanbul, where he is attending a new course session for the PRO license, in a generation where he is also a colleague of Arda Turan, another big name in the history of Turkish football, now a coach at Shakhtar.

In the Asian part of the metropolis on the Bosphorus, in an absolutely magical hotel, Topal agrees that, between periods of study, analysis and discussion, he will take about 30 minutes off his schedule to discuss the madness created around the match between Turkey and Romania, the play-off semi-final for the World Cup. He is very sincere and punctual, sometimes serious, sometimes with a smile on his face, and among his words you can read the personal emotion with which he is also waiting for the match at Beşiktaş's stadium.

Mehmet Topal: “If Turkey enters the field thinking that they are already victorious, it would be a big mistake”

– Mister Topal, how does the atmosphere around the match between Turkey and Romania look like and what are your expectations?
– You will really like the atmosphere. It's a tradition in our country: at the national team matches, not only those on the field play, but the whole country. There are 80 million of us living the game together. It will be an extraordinary atmosphere and a very nice match. You will feel it live: one of those moments you will never forget.

– What are Turkey's sensitive or weak points?
– I'm sorry, but I can't tell you. But something must be emphasized: even if, on paper, we are favorites because we are playing at home, we will meet a very serious and solid team. Especially after the arrival of Lucescu, the level of the national team's game increased. Romania has a group of mature players, around 27–29 years old, and many are developing in important championships. We may be favorites on paper, but we have a tough game ahead of us. If we enter the field as if we are already winners, it can hurt us. It could be one of our biggest mistakes.

Kenan Yildiz (right), Hakan Calhanoglu and Arda Guler, the biggest dangers for the Romanian national team in the tie with Turkey / Photo: Imago

“Lucescu knows how to mentally prepare the players”

– How much does it matter that the opponent on the bench is called Mircea Lucescu?
– He is an important coach. When he took over the Turkish national team a few years ago, he began the process of rejuvenation. I was part of that group. He knows his players very well and knows exactly what they can do. It won't be an easy match. It will be difficult for both teams, but for Romania a little more because of the public, which will create an uproar. But I hope it will be a friendly match. Obviously, I want us to qualify, but it would be OK if the deserving team wins.

– How did you get to know Lucescu in the relationship with the players?
– I don't think there is a big difference between the moment now and the moment at the Turkish national team. From what I've seen, it looks unchanged. When you play well, he is calm and content. But when you perform poorly or lose, it can get really rough. But he is a disciplined, serious coach. He knows how to approach the players, how to prepare them mentally. He has this ability because of experience.

Mircea Lucescu had Mehmet Topal as a student at the Turkish national team

Turkey is the favorite on paper, but matches are won on the pitch. It is a game without the right to error. Whoever is more focused and united on match day will win
Mehmet Topal, coach

“Bârligea, Baiaram, Drăgușin – they can influence the result”

– How is Romania perceived in Turkey now compared to what was happening 20 years ago?
– I don't think there is a big difference. And in the past we played against some valuable Romanian players. But now I think you are close to reaching the level of that period. It's a team that's coming back and trying to get better and better.

– Which players can make the difference in this match?
– I think Baiaram has the ability to influence the result. I don't know if he will play, but he is a very good player. Likewise – Bârligea. Drăgușin comes back after an injury and starts playing again. His performance will count for a lot. If they will be on the field and show off their leadership qualities, they will impose concentration, they can also influence the rest of the team. It would have been Louis Munteanu, who runs a lot, is elegant, but I understand that he is missing due to an injury.

Daniel Bîrligea will be the starter in Romania's attack

– Will it be a high-scoring match or more closed?
– Only one thing matters: let's move on. It doesn't matter if there will be many goals or not. But personally, I think it will make a big difference. I think about what Montella is working on from a tactical point of view, you can see that offensive desire. He often prefers to play without a classic top, and Kerem has been effective in that “false 9” role. If he starts with him, it can be an advantage, because he is a player who runs a lot, makes sprints, gives decisive passes. Overall, Turkey's players are in good form and I don't think anyone will have a bad day.

“I hope you can't stop Arda Guler”

– The Golden Generation of Romania will also be in the stands. Does this have the gift of bringing extra energy to the field for the players?
– For me it would be an extra motivation. Out of respect for them and what they did for the national team, you would give more on the field. They are important names for Romania and world football. And I love that you stick to your values. Nowadays, there is not so much talk about the past. But their presence would motivate the team.

– Can you tell us the recipe by which Arda Guler can be stopped?
– It's very hard to stop him. Sure, it is possible, but very difficult. He is in very good form and is one of our most important players. I hope you can't stop it!

The Turkish fans will create an atmosphere of hell in the stadium

– Turkey haven't beaten Romania in an official match at home since 1965. That sounds pretty bad for Turkey, don't you agree?
– It's been a long time. I think the time has come to change that.

– Would it be a drama for Turkey to lose against Romania and miss the step to the World Cup?
– Yes! I don't even want to think about it. God forbid! It would be unbearable for Turkey to lose with such a team, having reached an extraordinary level. That would be a big disappointment.

“Oil is in my soul. Maybe I'll get back there someday!”

Mehmet Topal led Petrolul for two terms, during delicate periods from a financial point of view. Photo: Eduard Vînătoru (GSP)

– Do you still follow the Romanian championship? What do you think of this play-off?
– Craiova has a very good team. Rapid and Dinamo – the same. They are quite close in value, but, in my opinion, Craiova is one step ahead.

– Petrol is in a delicate situation in the play-out, there have already been scenarios that they return to Ploiesti. is it true
– Anything can happen in football. You never know. 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 get back there someday, but I don't like to discuss assumptions as long as the team has a coach.

– It seems like a complicated mission to save this season!
– Hard, but not impossible!

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
Mehmet Topal, coach

“You treated me with respect and grace. Thank you!”

Mihnea Rădulescu, now at U Craiova, remained one of Topal's favorite players from the time he worked at Petrolul Photo: Imago Images

– If you were to take over a team in a country other than Romania, which players from us would you like to have in the squad?
– At Petrolul we had many talented young people: Mihnea Rădulescu, Boțogan, Denis Radu, Stancovici. Apart from them, I would also think of Musi, Baiaram, Bârligea.

– How is your heart? Would you be ready to watch Turkey v Romania shootout?
– After I retired, it is very difficult for me to watch the matches live. There is a temptation to always go back to the past. When an opportunity is missed, you begin to think as if you were on the field. I played for many years in the national team and experienced important moments. The emotion remains rooted.

– A message for Romanians?
– I only have good words about Romania and the people. You have always treated me with respect and elegance. Thank you! I really like Romanians. I have many friends there. Football passes, but friendships remain. The important thing is that the one who deserves it wins.