Trabzonspor manager quits live on air after Salah's side crash out of Europa League qualifying

Trabzonspor manager Fatih Tekke resigned live on television after his side were hammered 4-0 by Ferencvaros in Budapest, crashing out of Europa League qualifying 5-0 on aggregate. Mo Salah, who joined the Turkish club on a free transfer from Liverpool earlier this month, was substituted in the 64th minute in only his third start for the club.

The night unravelled quickly for Trabzonspor, who had already lost the first leg at home by a single goal. Republic of Ireland international Callum O’Dowda headed Ferencvaros in front early in the second leg, and any slim hope of a comeback was extinguished when the visitors conceded two more goals and had a man sent off within a five-minute spell before the hour mark.

Salah had given reason for optimism just days earlier, scoring his first two goals for Trabzonspor in a domestic win over Istanbul Basaksehir on Sunday. The 34-year-old was signed specifically for his ability to perform on the European stage, but that opportunity has now gone following the aggregate collapse.

Tekke, 48, did not wait for the dust to settle. In a post-match interview broadcast live, he announced his resignation with immediate effect after 18 months in charge. “I am resigning from a very honourable position,” he said. “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.”

The manager went on to accept personal responsibility for the result. “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. For 18 months, day and night, my team and I have been thinking about how we can do better. As of now, I am resigning from my position. I think I have the right to punish myself in this way.”

Salah was not the only former Premier League name caught up in the defeat. Andre Onana, on loan from Manchester United, started in goal, while ex-Manchester City defender Stefan Savic and former Southampton striker Paul Onuachu also featured in Tekke’s starting line-up. Trabzonspor now turn their attention to domestic football, with a Turkish Super Lig trip to Amed Sportif on Monday.