Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah joined Trabzonspor as a free agent earlier this month - but his new club are in crisis following a shock Europa League defeat
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah (Image: (Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP via Getty Images))
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Mohamed Salah's start to life at Trabzonspor has taken a dramatic turn after his boss quit just minutes after his side crashed out of the Europa League in humiliating fashion. Salah's side were hammered 4-0 in Hungary by Ferencvaros on Thursday night, having lost the play-off first leg at home by a single goal.
The forward scored his first two goals for his new club against Istanbul Basaksehir on Sunday but was powerless to prevent them dropping into the Conference League. And the comprehensive defeat proved to be the final straw for Fatih Tekke, who sensationally quit his post during his post-match television interview.
Taking full responsibility for the defeat, Tekke said live on air: "I am resigning from a very honourable position.
"Today's defeat is unacceptable. Misfortunes and bad luck are all acceptable, but I cannot accept this. I cannot sleep with this feeling. May everyone forgive me. We did our best."
Before he added: "We had a very sad night. Of course, the reason is me and my team. It was a sad night for both our country and our club.
"Until the red card, it seemed like a match that would go well. As a result, we couldn't qualify for the Europa League. For 18 months, day and night, my team and I have been thinking about how we can do better.
"The team will be much, much better, that's for sure. I won't elaborate further. Nobody knows. As of now, I am resigning from my position after 18 months. I think I have the right to punish myself in this way."
Fatih Tekke following Trabzonspor's defeat to Ferencvaros
Fatih Tekke following Trabzonspor's defeat to Ferencvaros (Image: (Duygu Avunduk/Anadolu via Getty Images))
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Trabzonspor had heavily invested in experienced European talent and Salah wasn’t the only former Premier League star responsible for the heavy defeat.
Andre Onana - on loan from Manchester United - was in goal, while ex-Manchester City defender Stefan Savic and former Southampton striker Paul Onuachu were also named in Tekke's starting line-up.
Salah arrived in Turkey to much fanfare earlier this month and after signing a two-year deal declared: "The last couple of days, it's an experience I have never had in my life.
"I'm here to win. I want to win something with this club because you guys have showed me so much love, and I really, really appreciate that."
Salah announced in March that he would bring the curtain down on his illustrious career at Anfield following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
The forward reached an agreement with the Reds that would see him depart the club on a free transfer, and it came after he launched a tirade against Arne Slot in December.
Salah then delivered a withering assessment of Liverpool’s style of play and called for a return to the “heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and wins trophies” following the defeat to Aston Villa towards the end of last season.
The 34-year-old departed Anfield having lifted two Premier League titles along with a Champions League, an FA Cup and two Carabao Cups.