Fatih Tekke stays at Trabzonspor after resigning following Ferencvarosi defeat

Trabzonspor have rejected Fatih Tekke’s resignation and confirmed he will remain as head coach after their heavy defeat by Ferencvarosi in the Europa League play-off round.

Tekke said he accepted responsibility for his decisions but insisted Trabzonspor would continue to compete strongly in the Turkish top flight and European competitions.

“After the defeat we suffered last night, and amid the emotional state we experienced at the end of the match, I made a decision entirely on my own initiative,” Tekke said in a statement.

“I understand the scale of the responsibility I carry towards Trabzonspor and these great supporters.”

The coach also thanked club president Ertugrul Dogan, saying he had felt the chairman’s confidence and support since the match, while also expressing his appreciation to the board, the players and his coaching staff.

Dogan and the Trabzonspor board subsequently rejected Tekke’s resignation. The club confirmed on Friday morning that he would continue in his role and lead the team in their next Turkish league fixture against Amedspor.

That match will take place at 21:30 local time on Monday, in the third round of the Turkish league season.

Tekke said Trabzonspor had “a very strong and extremely valuable group of players” and promised the team would address its weaknesses and improve.

“As I said yesterday, we will become a very good team, we will correct our shortcomings, grow stronger with every passing day and show the fight that befits Trabzonspor,” he said.

“We have major objectives ahead of us in the league and in European competitions. I strongly believe in the strength of this team, the character of my players and what we can achieve together.”

Trabzonspor’s European campaign changed course after a 4-0 defeat by Ferencvarosi in the second leg of their play-off tie. They had already lost the first leg 1-0, leaving them with a 5-0 aggregate defeat.

Ferencvarosi advanced to the league phase of the Europa League, while Trabzonspor moved into the league phase of the Conference League. The Turkish club were awaiting the Conference League draw on Friday.

Two Trabzonspor players were sent off during the second leg. Ruslan Malinovskyi received a red card in the 13th minute, while Lopez Cabral was dismissed in the 57th minute.

Mohamed Salah started the match for Trabzonspor before being substituted in the 63rd minute.

Tekke called for an immediate response from his players rather than allowing the result to define the remainder of the season.

“Now is the time to turn the page on yesterday’s events and look ahead. It is time for us to fight together, rise together and unite for the victories we will achieve as one team,” he said.

“We will continue our fight for Trabzonspor with the same belief, the same determination and the same sense of responsibility.”