Mehmet Topal: ‘We want to build a team that competes for the championship’

Mehmet Topal, the new head coach of Petrolul Ploie?ti, a team from the Romanian First League, stated that they aim to create a team that competes for the top spots, saying, ‘We want to build a team that competes for the championship title.’ Former national football player Mehmet Topal has become the new head coach of Petrolul Ploie?ti from the Romanian First League. Topal, in an exclusive statement to the Ihlas News Agency (IHA) correspondent about his transition to the coaching career, transfer negotiations, and the National Football Team, expressed that it will be a great experience for him. He mentioned, ‘We aim to chase the top spots, go to European cups, and build a team that competes for the championship. Of course, it won’t be easy, our road is long, but we will do our best to represent our country and flag in the best way possible.’
Regarding the assistant coaching offers he received from many clubs in Turkey, Topal mentioned, ‘I received many offers from Turkey, and I always wanted to develop myself, obtain the necessary certificates, and start on my own. Finally, this place was destined and meant for me. It will be a good experience for us. A good league, a competitive league. Therefore, we will do our best to make the right moves in football and work as hard as we can to take the team to the highest level.’
On his discussions with Petrolul, Mehmet Topal said, ‘I have been in Istanbul with Cristian (Fogarassy) for 4.5 days. Our discussions went very well. They expressed their thoughts and ideas. I also explained our working style. We came to a good agreement. Hopefully, it will be beneficial for both sides, and we will achieve great success.’
Sharing his thoughts on Portuguese Head Coach Jose Mourinho, who recently signed a contract with Fenerbahçe, Mehmet Topal said, ‘We had the opportunity to play against Mourinho in Spain. When we see a top-level coach like him on the opposing bench, it can give you chills. It was a significant step for our country as well. If we can allow them to improve Turkish football, to correct some things in Turkish football, it will have a serious impact on Turkish football.’
Regarding the squad of the National Football Team that will compete in Group F at EURO 2024, Mehmet Topal said, ‘We have a young and quality squad. Our expectation as a country from them is to achieve great results. We will always support them to the fullest. We are ready to do whatever is necessary for the National Team.’
Expressing his belief that the National Team has the capacity to reach the semi-finals or finals in EURO 2024, the 38-year-old coach stated, ‘In the past years, we used to make predictions about these matters but it didn’t happen. This year, I do not want to make such a prediction for this tournament. I have full confidence in our brothers there, our players. They are at a level to reach the final, semi-final, as long as they give their all on the field. If they fight for the Turkish flag, they will fight until the end. I hope such a young squad, with incredibly talented players representing us in Europe, deserves to play in the semi-finals, finals.’
When asked if he would consider taking on roles at clubs like Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, or Beşiktaş in the future after playing for them during his football career, Mehmet Topal replied, ‘I always tried to do the right things on the field. I made an effort to play for the club during my playing career. Now, I will do the same in my coaching career. These clubs are the biggest pillars of Turkey. Like other coaches, it would be a great honor, pride, and joy for me to work at these major clubs.’
Emphasizing that he wants to do good work in his coaching career just like he did in his playing career, Mehmet Topal concluded by saying, ‘We have embarked on a very difficult path. Throughout our lives and sports careers, we always strived to represent our flag at the highest level. Now, we will try to do the best in coaching. Do not forget your good wishes and prayers.’