Turkey legend Fatih Terim backs Mohamed Salah to inspire Trabzonspor’s European campaign

Turkey football legend Fatih Terim believes Trabzonspor and the other Turkish clubs competing in Europe this season have the quality to go deep in their respective competitions.

Trabzonspor attracted significant attention during the summer transfer window after completing the signing of Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah on a free transfer following his departure from Liverpool at the end of last season.

The 34-year-old forward is expected to bring considerable experience and attacking quality to Trabzonspor as they compete on the European stage this season.

Trabzonspor will compete in the UEFA Conference League after their elimination in the Europa League play-offs, but Terim believes they have enough quality to make a strong run in the competition.

The former Turkey coach also highlighted the strength of the other Turkish clubs involved in European competition, including Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.

Speaking in comments reported by NTV Spor, Terim stressed that football can produce unexpected results and urged the Turkish representatives to focus on preparation rather than fearing their opponents.

“Football, by its very nature, holds many surprises, and instead of looking at things that way, it is better to prepare for them properly. We have four teams participating in European championships this season, and all of them are capable of qualifying, going far, and achieving victory over any other team,” Terim said.

The Turkish football icon pointed to the impressive calibre of players now featuring in the country’s top flight, arguing that the league has become increasingly competitive and attractive.

“What more could we ask for? There are players like Greenwood, N’Golo Kante, Matteo Guendouzi, Romelu Lukaku, and on the other hand I see Osimhen, Sane and our national team goalkeeper,” he added.

Terim also singled out the attacking talent available to Turkish clubs, including Salah and Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu.

“There is also Mohamed Salah and Onuachu who has scored more than 20 goals, and look at Besiktas, they have great players who fight with amazing ferocity. They signed Vlahovic. The squads of all these teams are great, and the coaches of the opposing teams will be wary of our league’s players, and now we have to move on.”

Terim’s comments underline the growing profile of the Turkish Super Lig, with several clubs investing heavily in experienced and high-profile players.

For Trabzonspor, the arrival of Salah represents one of the biggest additions to their squad and gives the club another major attacking weapon as they prepare for their Conference League campaign.

Terim believes the presence of players of Salah’s calibre, alongside the quality assembled by the likes of Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas, should make Turkish clubs difficult opponents in Europe.

With the domestic season also underway, the Turkish sides will now aim to translate their squad strength into results on the European stage and prove that they can compete with the continent’s leading clubs.