Trabzonspor Manager Fatih Taki Faces Severe Fan Backlash Over Mohamed Salah's Usage

Trabzonspor supporters have directed harsh criticism toward manager Fatih Taki following his tactical deployment of Mohamed Salah during their league match against Amed SK on Monday. Despite Salah scoring the team's only goal in the 11th minute of the third-round fixture, Trabzonspor ultimately conceded two goals courtesy of Yerla Sür and Gift Orban.

The defeat triggered widespread frustration among fans regarding the squad's overall display and how Mohamed Salah was utilized on the pitch compared to his teammates. One supporter shared on social media: "Salah applauded the stands at the end of the match. I was so embarrassed I wished I could disappear into the ground. I swear to God, we are sorry, big brother." Another fan expressed deep sympathy: "I feel like crying because of this guy (Salah). I feel ashamed sitting at my desk that a man like him ever came into my life. They said he’d spend his time lying around doing nothing at 34, but he’s the one who’s working so hard. Poor guy!"

Criticism of the team's tactics and defensive efforts was widespread online. One account noted: "The player must be thinking: Where have I ended up? What a miserable game! Relaxing at 1-0 up, not defending, and then conceding a goal! Your tactics are a disaster! Even if I were a woman, I would have led this team to the top! Salah did his best, but what can he do if the others don’t play?! The defense was a catastrophe! Onana was brilliant!"

Directing anger toward the coaching staff, another user remarked, "Fatih, you exhausted the world-class player Mohamed Salah by forcing him to constantly defend and run backwards. Salah has probably never run so far back in any match throughout his career. I felt embarrassed watching the game on TV. Didn’t you feel any shame watching it from the bench?" Another added, "Some players didn’t even touch the ball. This team has never been this slow before. What a loss!"