Mohamed Salah’s Trabzonspor rocked as Fatih Tekke exits after dramatic U-turn

Mohamed Salah’s new club Trabzonspor have parted ways with head coach Fatih Tekke just days after initially rejecting his resignation, following a damaging start to the new season.

The Turkish giants confirmed on Tuesday that they had mutually agreed to end Tekke’s tenure after their 2-1 defeat to newly promoted Amedspor. The decision comes less than a week after the club insisted the coach would remain in charge despite his decision to resign following their humiliating Europa League elimination.

Europa League humiliation triggers crisis

Tekke first offered his resignation after Trabzonspor were thrashed 4-0 by Hungarian side Ferencvaros in the second leg of their Europa League play-off, going out 5-0 on aggregate.

The defeat left the coach deeply frustrated, with Tekke accepting responsibility for the performance and admitting he was struggling to come to terms with the manner of the loss.

“Misfortune and bad luck are all acceptable, but I cannot accept this performance,” Tekke said after the match. “I cannot sleep with this feeling. May everyone forgive me. We did our best.”

Trabzonspor’s board initially rejected the resignation and confirmed that Tekke would remain in the dugout for their Super Lig meeting with Amedspor.

However, the decision failed to produce the desired response as Trabzonspor surrendered a lead to suffer another damaging defeat.

Salah scores but Orban delivers late blow

Salah gave Trabzonspor the perfect start against Amedspor, putting the visitors ahead before Yira Sor restored parity.

The former Liverpool forward’s goal ultimately counted for little, as Nigeria striker Gift Orban struck in the 90th minute to complete Amedspor’s comeback and condemn Trabzonspor to a 2-1 defeat.

Tekke admitted afterwards that his team had failed to produce the reaction he expected following the European disappointment.

“Üzücü bir akşam yine, bence… Skordan bağımsız… Oyunu hiç elimde tutamadık. Çok daha farklı reaksiyon bekliyorduk ama sorumlusu benim. Şimdi bunu unutup, bir an önce ayağa kalkacağız,” he said.

The result left Trabzonspor with four points from their opening three league matches and intensified pressure around the club.

Tekke’s 18-month reign ends

Tekke had been in charge since March 2025 and guided Trabzonspor to the Turkish Cup last season, earning praise for his contribution to the development of the squad.

He leaves after 62 competitive matches at the helm, recording 35 victories, 14 draws and 13 defeats.

Trabzonspor said Vice-President Serkan Kilic met with Tekke to assess the team’s situation and future before both parties agreed that a new direction was necessary.

The club thanked the 48-year-old for his work, achievements and contribution during his approximately 18-month spell, particularly his role in winning the Turkish Cup.

The managerial upheaval comes less than a month after Trabzonspor completed the signing of Salah on a two-year contract following his departure from Liverpool. The Egyptian superstar has already scored for the club, but his new chapter in Turkey has now begun amid significant uncertainty in the dugout.