By Dorcas Francis Koji
Trabzonspor have parted ways with head coach Fatih Tekke following the Turkish club’s disappointing exit from the UEFA Europa League.
Tekke initially submitted his resignation after Trabzonspor were eliminated from the Europa League play-off round by Hungarian side Ferencvaros, suffering a heavy 5-0 aggregate defeat.
The club initially rejected the 48-year-old coach’s resignation, believing the decision had been made under the intense emotional pressure of the European setback.
However, Trabzonspor confirmed on Wednesday that the club and Tekke had now reached a mutual agreement to end their relationship, with both parties placing the club’s long-term interests ahead of personal considerations.
“Over his approximately 18-month tenure, Fatih Tekke brought significant value to Trabzonspor,” the club said in a statement.
Trabzonspor praised the former Turkey international for his contribution to the development of players, as well as his role in improving the club’s sporting and financial fortunes.
The club also highlighted Tekke’s success in ending a lengthy wait for the Turkish Cup.
“By bringing the Turkish Cup back to our museum, he once again wrote his name into Trabzonspor’s history,” the club added.
According to Trabzonspor, further discussions with Tekke led to the conclusion that a fresh direction was necessary.
“At this point, we reached a mutual understanding with our coach – who stated he would never allow his presence to harm Trabzonspor in any way – that drawing a new roadmap, prioritising the club’s interests above all else, had become unavoidable,” the club said.
Tekke leaves after guiding Trabzonspor to third place in the Turkish Super Lig last season and securing domestic cup success during his spell in charge.
Trabzonspor will now turn their attention to the UEFA Europa Conference League, where they are scheduled to continue their European campaign, with Scottish side Hearts among their opponents.
The club had also strengthened its squad during the summer transfer window with several high-profile arrivals, including former Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Fabinho, while Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana returned to the club on loan.
Tekke’s departure brings an end to an approximately 18-month tenure that delivered a domestic trophy and a strong league finish, despite the club’s disappointing European campaign.
Trabzonspor must now move quickly to appoint a new coach as they attempt to build on last season’s progress and navigate the remainder of the domestic and European campaigns.
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