Tekke's Bold Decision: Salah on Bench as Trabzonspor Faces Kasimpasa

Fatih Tekke has laid down an early marker. On the opening weekend of the Turkish Super Lig, the Trabzonspor boss has left new Egyptian signing Mohamed Salah on the bench for the trip to Kasimpasa.

All eyes had been on the forward after his arrival, but Tekke has chosen continuity and balance over immediate headline noise. Salah will have to wait for his first league start under the new regime.

According to Gazete Pencere, Trabzonspor go with Onana in goal. In front of him, Savic and Nwakaeme are named, with Pina, Mustafa and Bouchouari also in the starting XI. Aral, Malinovskyi and Metehan offer structure through midfield, while Savio and Onuachu lead the attacking charge.

Kasimpasa answer with a settled look of their own. Andreas starts between the posts, protected by a back line featuring Arous, Eli, Yesin and Wink. Baldursson and Mendes are in from the start, alongside Diabate and Murtaza, with Guven and Bendezik completing the hosts’ line-up.

Referee Gorkan Hasova takes charge of the contest, adding another layer of intrigue to a fixture that already carries early-season tension. Opening weekends rarely define a campaign, but they often set a tone.

The wider league picture has already thrown up a twist. Reigning champions Galatasaray began their title defence with a 2-2 draw against Corum, dropping points at the first hurdle.

With the champions stumbling out of the blocks, Tekke’s selection calls and Trabzonspor’s response in Istanbul suddenly feel even more significant.