Fabinho: Salah’s hat-trick against Galatasaray was no surprise

Fabinho says he was not surprised to see Mohamed Salah score a hat-trick as his side defeated Galatasaray 4-0 in the sixth round of the Turkish league on Saturday.

The Brazilian midfielder, who plays for Trabzonspor, praised Salah’s contribution after the emphatic victory and said matches of that importance require players capable of making a decisive impact.

Fabinho also highlighted the quality of Trabzonspor’s overall display. He said the team could have scored even more goals while keeping a clean sheet, making the result particularly valuable.

“The win is always important, but achieving it while also putting in a strong performance gives it a different taste,” said the former Liverpool and Saudi Arabian football player, in comments reported by Asharq Al-Awsat.

“All the players performed brilliantly. We scored four goals and could have added more, while also keeping a clean sheet. I believe the victory was a wonderful gift for our supporters, who backed us in an outstanding way.”

Reis’ ideas beginning to take hold

Fabinho also discussed the early impact of new manager Thomas Reis, saying the players had started to understand the German coach’s approach despite his short time in charge.

“We were asked by the manager to work seriously and with great intensity. He wants us to show aggression on the pitch,” Fabinho said.

“He has been able to make some changes despite having had little time in the job. He is focused on defensive strength and direct attacking football.

“The international break will give us an opportunity to absorb his ideas more fully, so this period will be useful and positive.”

Salah’s three-goal performance was the main individual highlight of the match, but Fabinho said such displays had become familiar to him.

“I am used to seeing that from him,” he said. “He gives the team a great deal of confidence, and big matches need players of Salah’s quality who are able to make the difference.”

Fabinho said Salah’s presence also increased the danger posed by the team and praised the Egyptian’s work rate.

“He is a hard-working player, and the team becomes more dangerous when he is on the pitch. He represents a major strength for the side,” he added.

“I am very happy for him and congratulate him on scoring his first hat-trick in the Turkish league.”