Ivaylo Petev guides Mardin 1969 to fourth place in Turkish second division

Ivaylo Petev signed with Turkish second-division club Mardin 1969 at the end of September. The Bulgarian coach has overseen a strong start to his tenure, with the team recording four wins and one loss in his first five league matches.

Mardin 1969 secured a 2-1 victory over Istanbulspor on November 1. This result helped the club reach fourth place in the table with 24 points. They sit three points behind Kayserispor and Igdir. Bursaspor leads the league with 31 points.

Former FCSB midfielder Baba Alhassan has made 11 appearances for Mardin 1969 this season. His presence adds experience to the squad as they compete in the upper half of the standings.

Petev previously managed Universitatea Craiova until his dismissal on April 10, 2024. During his time at the Romanian club, he managed 20 matches, achieving 10 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses.

Universitatea Craiova were eliminated from the Romanian Cup quarter-finals by Oțelul Galați with a 0-1 scoreline under Petev’s leadership. This exit occurred during his final months at the club.

Off the pitch, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ordered FC Baniyas to pay Petev approximately $250,000 net plus 5% annual interest. This ruling resolves a previous financial dispute involving the coach.