Trabzonspor need two signings after Ferencvarosi defeat, says Fatih Tekke

Trabzonspor manager Fatih Tekke says his side must sign a striker and a number six before the summer transfer window closes after their 1-0 home defeat by Ferencvarosi in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League qualifying tie.

Tekke described the match as a double setback for Trabzonspor, with the Turkish club not only losing the game but also ending it with 10 men after defender Chibuike Nwaiwu was sent off in stoppage time.

“We suffered two defeats tonight, the first was the 1-0 loss and the second was our defender receiving a red card,” Tekke said at his post-match news conference.

Nwaiwu was dismissed after a heavy challenge on a Ferencvarosi player in the final minutes of the match. Tekke was also critical of the referee’s performance, saying: “The referee managed the match very badly.”

The Trabzonspor manager made clear that he wants reinforcements before the transfer deadline, identifying two specific positions that need attention.

“We need to sign a striker and a number six before the summer transfer window closes,” he said.

The result leaves Trabzonspor with a difficult task in the second leg, although Tekke believes the tie remains recoverable. He argued that the scoreline did not reflect the balance of play or the opportunities created by his team.

“Our task has become a little more difficult, but it is not impossible considering the way the match unfolded. The result should have been completely different,” said Tekke.

“We performed well despite the defeat. The players’ desire during the match gave us the feeling that we are capable of getting through this stage.”

Tekke pointed to the statistics as evidence that Trabzonspor had controlled much of the contest. He said Ferencvarosi committed 22 fouls, compared with three by Trabzonspor, and suggested that sustained possession had forced the visitors into repeated errors.

“The opposing team committed 22 fouls, while Trabzonspor committed only three. If you keep possession of the ball throughout the match, the opponent will commit more mistakes. That is not me saying it; it is completely normal. All the statistics are in our favour,” he added.

The manager said his team had played at a high tempo but needed to become more clinical when chances arise.

“We played at a fast pace and need to make use of the opportunities we create. We were unlucky today, but I am optimistic about the second match,” Tekke said.

Mohamed Salah made his first start for Trabzonspor and remained on the pitch until the final whistle.

The second leg will take place in Hungary next Thursday, with Trabzonspor needing to overturn the one-goal deficit to progress in the UEFA Europa League.