Trabzonspor contact Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola as Stefano Pioli talks advance

Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan says the Turkish club has spoken to Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola about becoming their new manager, although neither discussion led to an agreement.

Dogan told TVNET that the club’s preferred candidate was an overseas coach and revealed that talks with Conte ended after the Italian asked for 25m euros.

“Our first choice for the new manager is a foreign coach,” Dogan said. “We spoke to Antonio Conte and he asked for 25m euros, so the negotiations did not progress.”

Trabzonspor also made contact with Guardiola, but the club did not reach discussions about financial terms. According to Dogan, the Manchester City manager told them he would not return to coaching before next summer.

The club is looking for a successor to Fatih Tekke, who has left his role as manager. Turkish reports say Stefano Pioli has now moved ahead of the other candidates, with negotiations between the Italian and Trabzonspor at an advanced stage.

No formal contract has yet been signed, but the report says Pioli is considered the leading candidate by 90%. The total cost of appointing him is expected to exceed 3m euros, including the manager’s salary and the payments for the coaching staff he would bring with him.

Sky Sport Italia has also reported that Trabzonspor held exploratory talks with Pioli about the possibility of him taking charge.

Pioli has managed a number of clubs in Italy, most notably Milan, whom he led to the Serie A title in the 2021-2022 season. He also managed Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr during last season before that spell came to an end.

Reports have highlighted the way Trabzonspor forward Mohamed Salah moves from the right wing into central areas, runs in behind defenders and contributes inside the penalty area. Those qualities are considered compatible with Pioli’s attacking ideas.

If Pioli is appointed, Trabzonspor are expected to shape their attacking approach around the abilities of the Egypt international.

Trabzonspor signed Mohamed Salah on a free transfer at the start of the current season after his contract with Liverpool ended.