Trabzonspor's Bold Lineup Decision as Salah Starts on Bench

Fatih Tekke has wasted no time stamping his authority on Trabzonspor’s new season, leaving high-profile Egyptian signing Mohamed Salah on the bench for their Turkish Super Lig opener away to Kasimpasa.

On a night that already carries intrigue as the campaign’s first weekend unfolds, Tekke has gone with familiarity and balance over early fireworks. Salah, the headline summer arrival, will have to wait for his debut as the coach sticks to a settled core.

According to Gazete Pencere, Trabzonspor line up with Onana in goal, a side built on experience and physical presence in front of him. Savic, Nwakaeme, Pina and Mustafa are named in the outfield unit, with Bouchouari and Aral adding legs and energy. Malinovskyi, the creative fulcrum, starts alongside Metehan and Savio, while the towering Onuachu leads the line.

It is a team that suggests Tekke wants control in midfield and a direct threat up front, keeping Salah in reserve as a potential game-changer once the tempo settles.

Kasimpasa, on their own patch, respond with an XI that looks ready to trade blows. Andreas starts in goal, protected by a back line featuring Arous, Eli, Yesin and Wink. Baldursson and Mendes offer structure in the middle, with Diabate and Murtaza providing width and incision. Guven and Bendezik complete a side that has enough attacking edge to test Trabzonspor’s resolve.

Referee Gorkan Hasova will take charge of the clash, with both clubs eager to set the tone in a league that already has its first jolt.

Reigning champions Galatasaray have stumbled out of the blocks, held to a 2-2 draw by Corum in their opening fixture. That result leaves the door slightly ajar for early challengers.

If Tekke’s selection pays off and Salah’s late entrance tilts the contest, Trabzonspor could be the first to stride through it.