The Portuguese Recipe Strikes Again

The blueprint is clear, and the results speak for themselves. After Filipe Coelho delivered a sensational debut season in Romania, the hierarchy at Petrolul Ploiești decided to double down on the Portuguese model. With former manager Florin Pîrvu departing to take charge at FC Voluntari, the club faced a critical decision. They had three candidates on the table: Robert Ilyeș, a former coach at Csikszereda; Florin Bratu, who previously led Metaloglobus; and a high-profile Portuguese candidate. That candidate is Ricardo André de Pinho Sousa, and all signs point to him being the new man in charge.

A Legacy of Lusitanian Football

This is not just any coach. Ricardo Sousa comes from a bloodline steeped in the beautiful game. His father, António Sousa, was a prominent midfielder for Portugal in the 1980s, playing for giants like FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon. The elder Sousa represented his country at EURO 1984 and the 1986 World Cup, sharing dressing rooms with legends like Fernando Gomes and Nene. Ricardo followed in those massive boots, completing his youth career at Porto and making a senior appearance for the club. His playing career took him across Europe, with spells at Beira-Mar, Boavista, Santa Clara, and even stints in Germany and Cyprus.

Ready for the Superliga Challenge

Transitioning from player to manager, Sousa began his coaching journey in 2015. He climbed the ranks, managing Beira-Mar and Feirense, with a brief interlude in Saudi Arabia at Al Ain. Most recently, he led Vizela before his departure in 2025. Now, he turns his attention to the Romanian Superliga. He is expected to be presented in the coming days and will likely arrive with a fresh perspective. With Diogo Rodriguez already in the squad, Sousa may look to bolster the team with familiar faces from his homeland, continuing the trend of Portuguese influence that has already reshaped the league's tactical landscape.