Fatih Tekke resigned as Trabzonspor manager immediately after the club's hopes of qualifying for the Europa League were crushed by Ferencvaros. Trabzonspor were hammered 4-0 in Hungary, having lost the play-off first leg at home by a single goal, going out 5-0 on aggregate.
Salah's third start ends in defeat
Mo Salah was substituted in the 64th minute during the heavy defeat. It was only the Liverpool legend's third start since joining the Turkish side on a free transfer earlier this month. Salah scored his first two goals for Trabzonspor against Istanbul Basaksehir on Sunday, and he hoped to lead their comeback against Ferencvaros.
Things got off to a terrible start when Republic of Ireland international Callum O'Dowda headed the hosts in front on the night, extending their lead on aggregate. Trabzonspor attempted to regroup at half-time, but their slim hopes of making it through were all but dashed when they conceded two more goals and had a man sent off in the space of five minutes.
Tekke announces resignation live on air
In a post-match interview, the Trabzonspor manager announced live on air that he was resigning with immediate effect. "I am resigning from a very honourable position," Tekke revealed. "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 48-year-old added: "We had a very sad night. 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. As a result, we couldn't qualify for the Europa League. For 18 months, day and night, my team and I have been thinking about how we can do better."
"The team will be much, much better, that's for sure. I won't elaborate further. Nobody knows. As of now, I am resigning from my position after 18 months. I think I have the right to punish myself in this way."
Former Premier League stars in defeat
Salah, 34, wasn't the only former Premier League star responsible for the heavy defeat. Andre Onana - on loan from Manchester United - was in goal, while ex-Manchester City defender Stefan Savic and former Southampton striker Paul Onuachu were also named in Tekke's starting line-up. The Egyptian was signed for his ability to deliver on the European stage but won't get a chance to show it following Trabzonspor's abject failure.
