Tekke's Bold Decision: Salah on Bench for Trabzonspor Opener

Fatih Tekke has wasted no time in stamping his authority on Trabzonspor. On the opening weekend of the Turkish Super Lig, the new boss has made a headline call: marquee Egyptian signing Mohamed Salah will start on the bench for the trip to Kasimpasa.

No injury. No suspension. Just a straight tactical decision on day one.

Referee Gorkan Hasova will take charge of the clash, with Tekke opting for a starting XI built on power, structure and familiarity rather than immediate star appeal. According to Gazete Pencere, Trabzonspor line up with Onana in goal, behind a side featuring Savic, Nwakaeme, Pina, Mustafa, Bouchouari, Aral, Malinovskyi, Metehan, Savio and Onuachu.

It is a team that suggests control in midfield and service to the towering Onuachu up front, with Malinovskyi’s creativity and Savio’s flair expected to carry much of the attacking burden while Salah waits for his first minutes.

Kasimpasa, on their own patch, have gone with a settled look. They start with Andreas, Arous, Eli, Yesin, Wink, Baldursson, Mendes, Diabate, Murtaza, Guven and Bendezik, a side built to press, run and test a Trabzonspor defence still finding its rhythm under a new regime.

The stakes are already clear. Reigning champions Galatasaray have opened the door by dropping points on the first weekend, held to a 2-2 draw by Corum.

Opportunity has arrived early. Now it is up to Tekke’s bold selection — and the timing of Salah’s introduction — to show whether Trabzonspor are ready to walk through it.