Pep Guardiola Rules Out Trabzonspor Job and Any Return This Season
Pep Guardiola will not take charge of Trabzonspor, with his representative confirming that the former Manchester City manager will not coach either a club or national team during the current season. The clarification ends speculation over a reported €13 million salary proposal from the Super Lig side, who have been searching for a permanent successor to Fatih Tekke.
Why Guardiola decision matters for Trabzonspor
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reported Guardiola salary offer | €13 million |
| Trabzonspor league position | Fourth |
| Salah’s first three domestic matches | Four goals, one assist |
| Europa League qualifying exit | Lost 5-0 on aggregate to Ferencvaros |
| Latest league result | Trabzonspor 5-0 Genclerbirligi |
Trabzonspor had been linked with a high-profile move for Guardiola following Mohamed Salah’s arrival at Papara Park. The prospect would have reunited Guardiola with a player he faced repeatedly during Manchester City and Liverpool’s Premier League title contests.
Guardiola, who stepped away after bringing his successful Manchester City spell to an end last season, has made clear that he intends to remain out of management for the campaign. His representative stated that there will be no return this term, whether in club football or with an international side.
The Spanish coach has previously spoken warmly of Salah and Liverpool’s threat during their meetings with City. He described Salah as a difficult opponent and included Andrew Robertson among the Liverpool players who earned his respect. Guardiola also pointed to the danger created by Liverpool’s runners behind the defence and the delivery supplied by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson.
Managerial search continues after difficult start
The failed Guardiola pursuit leaves Trabzonspor continuing their hunt for a full-time head coach. Tekke’s departure followed a turbulent sequence of results, beginning with a 4-0 defeat in the opening leg against Ferencvaros in Europa League qualifying. He offered to resign after that result, but the board initially rejected his request.
Trabzonspor then lost 2-1 to newly promoted Amed in the league, despite Salah scoring first. That defeat brought Tekke’s time in charge to an end and left Huseyin Cimsir in interim command.
Cimsir responded by leading Trabzonspor to a 5-0 victory over Genclerbirligi, a club-record margin in that fixture. His next assignment is Saturday’s meeting with Konyaspor. Three points could lift Trabzonspor from fourth to second in the Super Lig standings.
Galatasaray test awaits
Trabzonspor’s spending and the recruitment of Salah reflect their ambition to challenge Galatasaray, who are pursuing a fifth straight Turkish league title. Salah has made an immediate individual impact with four goals and one assist across his first three domestic appearances.
After the Konyaspor match, Trabzonspor will host reigning champions Galatasaray next Saturday. The fixture will provide an early indication of whether the club can turn its strong start in front of goal into a sustained title challenge while its managerial vacancy remains unfilled.
