Trabzonspor reject Fatih Tekke resignation after Europa League play-off defeat

Trabzonspor have refused to accept Fatih Tekke’s resignation and confirmed he will remain as head coach despite their heavy defeat by Ferencvarosi TC in the play-off round for the UEFA Europa League.

The Turkish side were beaten 4-0 by the Hungarian champions in the second leg, having lost the first meeting 1-0. The result ended Trabzonspor’s hopes of reaching the Europa League league phase and moved them into the league phase of the UEFA Conference League, with the draw due to take place on Friday.

In a statement published on the club’s official website, Trabzonspor said: “The Trabzonspor board of directors did not accept Fatih Tekke’s resignation, and he will continue in his position as head coach of the team.”

The club added: “Tekke will lead the team in our next league match against Amedspor.”

Trabzonspor will face Amedspor at 21:30 local time on Monday in the third round of the Turkish league.

Tekke had indicated after the defeat that he was stepping down, following what he described as an extremely painful night. Speaking after the loss to Ferencvarosi TC, he said: “We went through a sad night, of course I am responsible and so is the team.”

He added: “The match was going positively until the red card, and as a result we did not qualify for the Europa League.”

Tekke, who has been in charge for 18 months, said his work with the coaching staff had been focused on improving the team in every area.

“For 18 months, my staff and I have thought about how we can improve in everything; the team will develop further,” he said.

“That is certain. Let me not prolong this. Nobody knows. As of now, I resign from my position, which I have held for 18 months. Let me retain my right to punish myself.”

He concluded: “There are matches that cause a person great pain. We went through one of them.”

Ferencvarosi TC progressed to the league phase of the UEFA Europa League, while Trabzonspor will compete in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League this season.

Trabzonspor’s difficult evening was made worse by two dismissals. Ruslan Malinovskyi was sent off in the 13th minute, before Lopez Cabral received a red card in the 57th minute.

Mohamed Salah started for Trabzonspor before being substituted in the 63rd minute.