The real reason Mirel Rădoi was fired by Gaziantep: A Turkish football row spills over

Mirel Rădoi’s time at Gaziantep lasted only four months and seven matches, ending after the Romanian coach and club officials failed to resolve several internal disagreements.

Rădoi joined the Turkish club on April 22, shortly after leaving FCSB during the Romanian league’s play-out phase. His record at Gaziantep was one win, one draw and five defeats.

One reported dispute involved Halil Dervişoğlu, the 26-year-old striker Gaziantep signed this summer. Turkish media attributed a blunt exchange to Rădoi: “I did not want you as a signing. You were not the player I asked for! So let’s be honest with each other!”

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I did not want you as a signing. You were not the player I asked for! So let’s be honest with each other!

Journalist Ali Budak, who had predicted the coach’s imminent departure, said Dervişoğlu’s chances of staying at Gaziantep had increased considerably after Rădoi left.

The coaching change could also affect Florin Ștefan, a left-back who joined Gaziantep as a free agent from Universitatea Craiova on Rădoi’s recommendation. Ștefan was jeered by supporters after a 2-1 defeat by Rizespor. GFK Arena reported that the club could discuss terminating his contract and might look abroad for another left-back if that happens.

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After Mirel Rădoi’s official departure from the team, discussions will also take place about terminating Florin Ștefan’s contract, as the player was brought in by the Romanian coach and produced the weakest performances in the first three rounds, prompting reactions from supporters. If Ștefan’s contract is terminated, the club will sign another left-back from abroad!