Trabzonspor boss Fatih Tekke explains Paul Onuachu’s defensive role in Göztepe win

Trabzonspor manager Fatih Tekke has explained why he shifted Nigeria forward Paul Onuachu into defense during their game against Göztepe in the Turkish Super Lig.

Onuachu found himself in an unusual position on Sunday as Trabzonspor managed to secure a crucial 2-1 away win over their opponent.

The former KRC Genk star was forced to play as a centre-back for the visitors after right back Wagner Pina received the marching orders in the 78^th-minute, leaving Trabzonspor with ten men and no available defenders on the bench.

With limited options, manager Fatih Tekke instructed Onuachu, normally the team’s leading attacking threat, to drop into defence and help protect their lead.

Trabzonspor had earlier taken control of the game thanks to a brace from Ernest Muci, who scored in the 46th and 76th minutes to put the visitors two goals ahead. The red card, however, forced a complete tactical adjustment, with Onuachu moving from striker to centre back for the remainder of the match.

“We were down to ten men. There was no fullback, there was no centre back. We were forced to move Onuachu into defence.” He said.

Despite being out of position, Onuachu produced a committed performance to help Trabzonspor hold on. However, the night ended with mixed news for the Nigerian star, who will now serve a one-match ban after accumulating three yellow cards in earlier fixtures. Onuachu is the current top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig with 11 goals.