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

Fatih Tekke has laid down an early marker at Trabzonspor, leaving new Egyptian signing Mohamed Salah on the bench for the club’s Turkish Super Lig opener away to Kasimpasa.

On a weekend when reigning champions Galatasaray were held to a 2-2 draw by Corum, all eyes now turn to how Tekke’s side will launch their own campaign — and the manager has not shied away from a bold selection.

According to Gazete Pencere, Trabzonspor will line up with Onana in goal, behind a side built to attack: Savic, Nwakaeme, Pina, Mustafa, Bouchouari, Aral, Malinovskyi, Metehan, Savio and Onuachu all get the nod. It’s a team heavy on creativity and physical presence, with Onuachu leading the line and Malinovskyi expected to dictate from midfield.

Salah, the headline summer arrival, will have to wait for his first start, with Tekke opting for continuity and experience in his initial XI. The decision piles intrigue onto the touchline even before a ball is kicked.

Kasimpasa, looking to spoil the visitors’ opening-day plans, respond with a settled side of their own. They start Andreas, Arous, Eli, Yesin, Wink, Baldursson, Mendes, Diabate, Murtaza, Guven and Bendezik, a unit that promises energy and direct running.

Referee Gorkan Hasova will take charge of the clash, which already carries the feel of an early test of nerve and depth. Galatasaray have blinked on day one. Now the question hangs over Trabzonspor: will Tekke’s brave call be remembered as a masterstroke or an unnecessary gamble?