Ertuğrul Doğan, president of Trabzonspor, broke his silence and defended the club's transfer policy during the current summer market, citing Mohamed Salah as a role model for the young players in the Turkish team.
Trabzonspor completed several deals during the current summer transfer window, most notably signing Mohamed Salah on a free transfer after the Egyptian international left Liverpool at the end of last season, alongside securing Fabinho also on a free basis.
Despite these signings, Trabzonspor started the current season very poorly, failing to reach the league phase of the Europa League and exiting in the playoff round after losing 5-0 on aggregate to Hungarian side Ferencváros across both legs.
Doğan attacked critics of Trabzon's transfer market strategy, stating in remarks quoted by '61saat': "There is a certain group dissatisfied with the deals the club has made; this group deliberately spreads news about restructuring the team and says incorrect things without looking at the new players or those who have left the squad—they are truly doing this intentionally."
He added: "We restructured the team last season and signed some young players who became important for Trabzon, alongside having experienced players."
He explained: "The Turkish league is highly competitive and not a league focused on developing players; when you have too many young players in the squad, there will be many negatives resulting from that. Trabzonspor suffered from this negativity last year, and perhaps would have won the league if it had possessed experienced players. I am fully aware of these details as club president."
He continued: "We sold young players from the squad and brought in experienced players like Mohamed Salah, Fabinho, and Malinovskyi—deals capable of leading Trabzon and assisting the young players at the club."
Doğan specifically highlighted Mohamed Salah, noting: "Is there anyone who can be a better role model for the young players at Trabzon than Mohamed Salah?"
He added: "We possess wonderful personalities in the squad, such as Mohamed Salah, Fabinho, Savić, and Malinovskyi. Savić is truly an amazing captain with a great character, and these players are extremely important for Trabzonspor."
He went on: "I believe this harmony and cohesion between the young players alongside the experienced ones will keep this club competing for all trophies this season."
Doğan also spoke about Mohamed Salah's message to Trabzon fans following their exit from the Europa League playoffs, stating in remarks quoted by 'africasoccer': "This message is sufficient to convey a sense of belonging to this club."
Fatih Tekke had resigned as Trabzonspor coach before the Turkish club's management rejected the coach's request, while Trabzon prepares to face Amiens Sportif next Monday in the Turkish league.
Mohamed Salah delivered an important message to Trabzon fans following their exit from the Europa League playoffs, clarifying that the Turkish team is capable of achieving success (details here).