Mohamed Salah's home debut for Trabzonspor did not go according to plan, drawing harsh criticism from Turkish media and fans after his first start for the club. The Liverpool legend made his debut for his new club last weekend, coming off the bench in a 1-1 draw at Kasimpasa in the Super Lig.
Disappointing start at Akyazi Stadium
On Thursday night, to much fanfare, he was thrown into the starting line-up for the Europa League play-off first leg against Ferencvaros. Amid a crackling atmosphere at Trabzonspor's Akyazi Stadium, the night fell flat as the Hungarians left with a 1-0 victory. The home side's cause was not aided as defender Chibuike Nwaiwu was shown a straight red card early in the second half.
Despite being so early into his spell, Salah, who has signed a two-year deal, did not escape criticism. The Sozcu website summed up the mood, saying after the match: "Some fans claimed Salah was far from his glory days and that the transfer was a mistake, while others argued that he would reach his true potential in the upcoming matches."
Mixed reviews from Turkish outlets
The same outlet said Salah had made a "disappointing start to the season" and that he had "failed to meet expectations in his first match at the Akyazi Stadium." However, it was also pointed out that Salah had joined the camp late and could not be expected to be up to speed with his new team-mates already. Canli Yayin struck a similar tone by claiming Salah has "divided fans" after just two matches and saying he had "failed to deliver" so far.
The Fanatik website was a little more charitable, praising Ferencvaros for "effectively marking the Egyptian star, practically suffocating him." It added: "Nevertheless, Salah tried to break through this marking with great fighting spirit, but it wasn't enough." Another reporter on the site said Salah "showed all his dedication on the field."
Performance in numbers
Meanwhile, the KingFut website reviewed Salah's performance in numbers, with his six attempts at goal carrying an expected goals (xG) value of 0.41. He also created four chances and completed 31 of his 38 passes. Only three of his 11 crosses found a team-mate, while he completed one of three dribbles and lost possession four times.
Salah will hope to make more of an impression on Sunday when Trabzonspor host Istanbul Basaksehir. Meanwhile, the second leg at Ferencvaros takes place on Thursday, August 27.
