Trabzonspor held talks with Conte and Guardiola over manager’s job

Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan says the Turkish club approached Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola as it searches for a new manager, but neither discussion led to an agreement.

Speaking to TVNET, Dogan said the club’s preferred candidate was a foreign coach and revealed the financial reasons why talks with the two managers did not progress.

“Our first choice for the new manager is a foreign coach,” he said. “We spoke to Antonio Conte. He asked for 25 million euros, so the negotiations did not move forward.”

Dogan added: “We also contacted Guardiola, but we did not reach the financial details because he told us he would not return to coaching before next summer.”

Reports in Turkey say Stefano Pioli has now emerged as the leading contender to take charge at Trabzonspor, with negotiations described as being at an advanced stage. However, no formal contract has yet been signed.

The reports put Pioli’s chances of becoming the club’s next manager at 90%. The total cost of appointing the Italian is expected to exceed 3 million euros, including his salary and the payments due to the members of the coaching staff he would bring with him.

Pioli’s attacking approach is also understood to fit the qualities of Trabzonspor forward Mohamed Salah. Reports have highlighted Salah’s movement from the right wing into central areas, his runs behind defenders and his effectiveness inside the penalty area.

As a result, if Pioli takes the job, Trabzonspor are expected to shape their attacking plan around the abilities of the Egypt international.

Sky Sport Italia has reported that Trabzonspor made exploratory contact with Pioli to discuss the possibility of him becoming the club’s manager.

The club are looking for a successor to Fatih Tekke, who has left his position as head coach.

Pioli has managed several clubs in Italy, most notably Milan. He guided them to the Serie A title in the 2021-2022 season.

He also managed Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr during the previous season, before that spell came to an end.

Trabzonspor signed Mohamed Salah at the beginning of the current season as a free agent after his contract with Liverpool expired.