18.03.2025 16:50
The 39-year-old young coach Mehmet Topal has returned to the helm of Petrolul Ploieşti, a team in Romania's Liga 1, after resigning about 3 months ago. Topal took over the team at the beginning of the season but left his position at the end of 2024 due to transfer disagreements with the management after approximately 6 months in charge.
Mehmet Topal, the 39-year-old young coach who resigned from the Romanian 1st League team Petrolul Ploieşti about 3 months ago, made a surprising signing.
IT WAS HIS FIRST EXPERIENCE, HE RESIGNED
Appointed as the head coach of the Romanian team on July 1, 2024, Mehmet Topal achieved many successes in both the league and the cup in his first experience, but after about 6 months, he left his position on December 25, 2024. The 39-year-old coach resigned from Petrolul Ploieşti, which he led to the playoffs, after failing to reach a common ground with the management regarding transfers.
IT DIDN'T WORK OUT WITH ADRIAN MUTU
After Topal, Adrian Mutu, to whom the team was entrusted, also could not achieve the desired success. The club parted ways with the 46-year-old Romanian coach, who started working on December 31, 2024, on March 17, 2025. Mutu, who managed the team in 11 matches, recorded 3 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses, achieving an average of 1.09 points.
RETURNED TO THE HEAD AFTER 3 MONTHS
After this separation, the management of Petrolul Ploieşti knocked on the door of Mehmet Topal, who is also very loved by the fans. After negotiations, both parties reached an agreement, and Topal returned to the head of the team after a break of about 3 months.
STATEMENT FROM THE CLUB
In a statement from the club, it was said, "39-year-old Topal, who started his coaching career in Ploieşti in 2024, made history for Turkish football as a player. He captained the Turkish national team and became a champion with three different teams: Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Başakşehir. Welcome back, Mehmet Topal!"
PERFORMANCE OF THE PERIOD
Topal, who took over Ploieşti on July 1, 2024, left his position on December 25, 2024. During that period, the young coach managed the team in 24 matches, achieving 8 wins, 11 draws, and 5 losses, with an average of 1.46 points.