22.04.2025 16:20
After a 2.5-month break, Mehmet Topal returned to the Romanian Liga 1 team Petrolul Ploiesti, where he had started his coaching career and left by his own choice. In his second term, Topal showcased a remarkable performance. During this period, he achieved 2 wins and 2 draws in the 4 matches he managed, stopping the team's poor run and giving the Romanian club hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Conference League.
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Mehmet Topal, who is currently in his second term at the Romanian 1st League team Petrolul Ploiesti, which he started his coaching career with at the beginning of the season, continues to make a name for himself.
LEFT IN DECEMBER, RETURNED IN MARCH
Mehmet Topal, who began his coaching career by signing with Romania's Petrolul Ploiesti team at the start of this season, left the team on December 25, 2024, by his own decision, and Adrian Mutu was appointed in his place. The 39-year-old coach had left the team in the championship playoff group. Petrolul, which had a poor performance under Mutu, fell to 9th place. After a long period of persuasion following Mutu's 2.5-month tenure, Mehmet Topal was reinstated as the head coach on March 18, 2025.
UNDEFEATED IN HIS SECOND TERM
In his second term at Petrolul Ploiesti, Mehmet Topal played 4 matches, achieving 2 victories and 2 draws, successfully revitalizing the team after a poor run. Following these results, the Romanian club set a goal to participate in the UEFA Conference League. The team that finishes first in the Play-Inn group will represent Romania in the UEFA Conference League.
WON BIG IN THE LAST MATCH
Petrolul Ploiesti, which entrusted the team to a Turkish coach in its 100th year, won its last match by a large margin. Ploiesti defeated Gloria Buzau 4-0 in the match played yesterday, bringing great joy to its fans. Mehmet Topal continues to make a difference in the Romanian League.
ALSO SIGNING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PROJECTS
Last week, the 39-year-old young coach won hearts by allowing individuals with Down syndrome to participate in the ceremony alongside the players, marking the first time such an event occurred in the Romanian League. Topal added a new initiative to his social responsibility projects this week and appeared in the ceremony with these children. Mehmet Topal closely interacted with the young fans who came to the match, took photos, and signed their jerseys.
ON THE HEELS OF THE LEADER
Mehmet Topal's team, Petrolul Ploiesti, has 28 points in the Romanian 1st League Play-Inn group, tied with Otelul, but is in second place on goal difference. The team that finishes first in the Play-Inn group will earn the right to represent Romania in the UEFA Conference League. The 7th and 8th placed teams will play in the playoffs to avoid relegation, while the teams finishing in 9th and 10th place will bid farewell to the league. The points standings after 5 matches are as follows:
- 1- Otelul: 28 points, +4 goal difference
- 2- Petrolul Ploiesti: 28 points, +3 goal difference
- 3- Hermannstadt: 27 points, 0 goal difference
- 4- Poli Iaşi: 26 points, +7 goal difference
- 5- Farul: 24 points, +2 goal difference
- 6- UTA Arad: 24 points, -2 goal difference
- 7- Botoşani: 22 points, -2 goal difference
- 8- Sepsi OSK: 22 points, -7 goal difference
- 9- U. Slobozia: 19 points, -1 goal difference
- 10- Gloria Buzau: 16 points, -4 goal difference
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