Mikel: Salah’s spectacular Trabzonspor welcome comes with a heavy responsibility

John Obi Mikel has warned Mohamed Salah that the extraordinary enthusiasm surrounding his move to Trabzonspor will bring intense expectations, with the club’s supporters capable of turning against him quickly if his performances and results fall short.

The Egypt captain joined Trabzonspor as a free agent after his contract with Liverpool expired at the end of the season. His arrival was met by thousands of supporters at the airport, in scenes that underlined the scale of the excitement surrounding the transfer.

Mikel, who previously played for Trabzonspor and Chelsea, said the welcome Salah received was exceptional even by the standards of a club with such a passionate following. He also suggested that the Turkish side may need to make adjustments to accommodate a player of Salah’s stature.

Speaking to Turkish newspaper Sabah in comments reported by Nigerian publication Daily Post, Mikel said: “Salah has his reasons for moving there. Is it about football or financial incentives? If we are talking about money, Saudi Arabia would certainly have been the better option.”

He added: “Trabzonspor is a great club, and the people there are passionate about football. It is a city that lives for football.”

Mikel said the response to Salah’s signing demonstrated the anticipation that now surrounds the forward.

“This time was different; thousands of people came out to welcome Mohamed Salah, and it was truly amazing,” he said. “I think the whole stadium was full when he was presented. It was unbelievable, and the club’s social media accounts also saw a huge rise.”

The former Nigeria midfielder also referred to the facilities at Trabzonspor, saying the club might have to improve some areas for its new star.

“From my knowledge of the club, I know the quality of the training pitches, dressing rooms and shower areas, and they may need to make some adjustments for Mohamed Salah,” he said.

Mikel’s principal warning, however, concerned the demands that will accompany Salah’s status. He emphasised that Trabzonspor’s supporters could offer the player enormous affection when he performs well and helps the team win, but that relationship could change rapidly if expectations are not met.

“Without taking anything away from Trabzonspor, it is a great club with an amazing fan base, and the people responsible for the club and the city deserve praise,” Mikel said. “The people of the city will treat you like a king if you are playing well and winning. But they turn on you quickly, and they do not care who you are or where you come from.”

Salah was given a remarkable reception after the announcement of his move to the Turkish club, with thousands gathering at the airport before his presentation. The scale of the welcome has raised anticipation among supporters before he has even begun his Trabzonspor career.

Mikel ended by wishing Salah and his family well during their time in Turkey, while reiterating that the forward’s treatment by supporters would depend heavily on his contribution on the pitch.

“I hope everything goes well for him and his family, that they feel comfortable and enjoy the city,” he said. “Because one thing is certain: if he continues to perform well and play brilliantly for this city, they will absolutely adore him.”