Trabzonspor has finally accepted the resignation of its coach Fatih Tekke, after initially rejecting his departure request. The former Turkish international, appointed at the helm of the Black Sea club in March 2025, had submitted his resignation following his team's elimination in the Europa League playoffs, beaten 5-0 on aggregate by Hungarian side Ferencváros.
A reversal after an initial refusal
On Friday, Trabzonspor had rejected Tekke's request, citing a decision made in the heat of the moment after the heavy European defeat. However, the club ultimately changed course and announced on Wednesday an amicable separation, justified by "the interests of Trabzonspor and its long-term objectives." In a statement, the Istanbul-based club praised Tekke's contributions during his roughly 18-month tenure: "Beyond his role in developing the players recruited during this period, he brought significant sporting and financial gains. By winning the Turkish Cup, he once again etched his name into the club's history."
A departure driven by reason
Trabzonspor emphasized that Tekke himself acknowledged his presence should not harm the club. "Drawing up a new roadmap, placing the interests of Trabzonspor above all else, has become inevitable," the statement read. The club thanked its coach for his work, efforts, and achievements. Despite this separation, Trabzonspor will compete in European competition this season, in the Europa Conference League. The club will face, among others, Hearts of Edinburgh, one of six opponents.
A busy summer transfer window
Trabzonspor made an ambitious transfer market this summer, with the arrival of Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian star from Liverpool. The club also signed Fabinho, a Premier League winner with the English club, as well as goalkeeper André Onana, on loan from Manchester United. Salah, 34, chose to join Trabzonspor after terminating his contract with Liverpool last month. The striker, the third-highest scorer in the Reds' history behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt, had netted 257 goals in 442 appearances since arriving in 2017. The Turkish club justified its choice with an ambitious sporting project, as evidenced by the recruitment of several European players. A strategy aimed at strengthening an already competitive team in the Süper Lig and Europe. With this new momentum, Trabzonspor intends to continue its title pursuit, having finished third in the league last season.
Fréderic Manet · 2 septembre 2026 · 3 min de lecture
