Writers’ Reactions to Trabzonspor’s 4-0 Derby Victory
Trabzonspor produced one of the most striking results of the Trendyol Süper Lig season by defeating Galatasaray 4-0 at home in the sixth round. The scoreline reflected more than an efficient attacking display: it also exposed Galatasaray’s difficulties when its pressing game was neutralised and its usual individual solutions failed.
The match generated strong reactions from Turkish sports writers, who focused on Thomas Reis’ tactical influence, Muhammed Salah’s outstanding performance, Galatasaray’s defensive problems and Okan Buruk’s responsibility for the defeat.
Cem Dizdar: Trabzonspor found a more convincing identity
Cem Dizdar argued that Thomas Reis quickly changed Trabzonspor’s approach after taking charge. Instead of relying heavily on crosses and using Paul Onuachu as the primary attacking outlet, the team began to favour a more controlled, ground-based style.
According to Dizdar, this adjustment allowed Trabzonspor to play with greater ambition and purpose. The hosts were practical and effective during the first half, while Galatasaray struggled to create anything beyond isolated individual actions.
He also highlighted the unusual nature of the opening goal. Galatasaray took a throw-in from an advanced position, yet almost the entire team remained behind the ball, with only goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır positioned further back. Trabzonspor took advantage of the disorganisation and turned a rare defensive mistake into a decisive moment.
Dizdar suggested that Galatasaray once again appeared dependent on Victor Osimhen. When the team’s pressing structure stopped functioning, there was no alternative plan capable of restoring control. Although Galatasaray had more possession after the interval, Trabzonspor remained the more dangerous side and punished every gap.
The writer also predicted that the match would be remembered not only for the tactical details but for the red cards and disciplinary incidents that followed.
Uğur Meleke: Reis made the right changes in a very short time
Uğur Meleke praised Thomas Reis for making a meaningful impact despite having only a limited period to work with the squad. He recalled that Reis had previously been judged harshly during a difficult spell, when injuries prevented his team from maintaining its early-season momentum.
For Meleke, the German coach’s return to Turkish football represents a major gain for the league. His most important intervention was convincing Trabzonspor to move the ball along the ground instead of feeling obliged to rely on high deliveries towards Onuachu.
Meleke also singled out Muhammed Salah, describing him as a player capable of deciding major matches almost by himself. After several seasons of producing elite goal and assist numbers, Salah once again demonstrated why he remains one of the world’s most influential attackers.
The most worrying aspect for Galatasaray, in Meleke’s view, was the collapse of its high press. Whenever the first line of pressure was bypassed, the team became vulnerable and lacked a reliable recovery plan. The composure of Onana and Fabinho during the build-up helped Trabzonspor escape the press and launch attacks into open space.
Zeki Uzundurukan: Salah’s individual quality made the difference
Zeki Uzundurukan concentrated on Salah’s spectacular individual goal. He described the action as a long-distance run in which the forward carried the ball for approximately 85 metres, dragged defenders behind him and calmly placed his shot beyond the goalkeeper.
For Uzundurukan, only a player of Salah’s quality could complete such a sequence in a high-profile derby. The Egyptian attacker dominated the match at Papara Park, contributing both through his finishing and his creative influence.
The writer also praised Reis for preparing the team in just two training sessions. While the coach did not have enough time to completely rebuild the side, his selection decisions made a considerable difference. Playing Melih Kabasakal alongside Fabinho in midfield helped Trabzonspor compete more effectively in the central areas and disrupt Galatasaray’s rhythm.
Levent Tüzemen: Okan Buruk must accept responsibility
Levent Tüzemen placed the greatest share of the blame on Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk. He argued that the team displayed no convincing plan, insufficient preparation and little evidence of an effective analysis of the opponent.
Tüzemen criticised the repeated tactical problems and questioned why Galatasaray continued to appear unchanged despite earlier warnings. He also pointed to Buruk’s second dismissal as unacceptable, suggesting that the coach should step back, review his decisions and conduct a serious self-assessment.
At the same time, Tüzemen praised Trabzonspor for scoring goals that could serve as tactical examples. Salah’s performance was central to the victory: he scored, created chances and guided the attacking structure as if he were an on-field teacher.
Why Trabzonspor won so comfortably
The result was shaped by several factors rather than one isolated error. Trabzonspor defended with greater discipline, moved the ball quickly through midfield and attacked the spaces created when Galatasaray’s full-backs moved forward.
The home side also showed better balance between possession and direct attacking. It did not need to dominate the ball continuously. Instead, Trabzonspor waited for the right moment, recovered possession and transitioned forward with speed.
Another crucial difference was efficiency in the final third. Galatasaray often reached promising positions but failed to turn possession into clear chances. Trabzonspor, by contrast, converted its opportunities with remarkable precision.
Galatasaray’s pressing problem
Galatasaray’s system depends heavily on forcing mistakes high up the pitch. When that pressure works, the team can recover the ball close to the opposition penalty area and attack before the defence is organised.
Against Trabzonspor, that mechanism was repeatedly broken. Calm passing from the defensive and midfield lines allowed the hosts to bypass the first wave of pressure. Once Galatasaray’s forwards were taken out of the game, large spaces appeared between the lines.
The result was a team that looked dangerous only in short spells. When individual creativity did not produce an immediate solution, Galatasaray struggled to build sustained attacks.
The importance of Salah’s role
Salah’s contribution went beyond his goal. His movement forced Galatasaray’s defenders to retreat, opened passing lanes for teammates and created uncertainty whenever he received the ball in space.
His ability to carry possession over long distances also changed the psychological balance of the match. Galatasaray could not commit too many players forward without risking another rapid transition.
What Thomas Reis changed
Reis’ influence was visible in Trabzonspor’s structure. The team appeared less predictable, used fewer hopeful crosses and showed greater confidence in short combinations.
The midfield setup provided better protection for the defence while also supporting quick attacks. This allowed the wide players and forwards to receive the ball in more favourable positions.
Most importantly, Trabzonspor played with a clear idea. Even after Galatasaray enjoyed periods of possession, the home team did not lose its organisation or abandon its attacking principles.
Consequences for both teams
For Trabzonspor, the victory may become a turning point. A convincing result against one of the league’s strongest squads can strengthen belief in Reis’ methods and give the players confidence in a new tactical identity.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, faces difficult questions. The defeat was not simply a bad day in front of goal. It exposed weaknesses in the pressing system, defensive transitions and match preparation. The coaching staff will need to determine whether the problem lies in player roles, physical condition, tactical instructions or all three.
The derby ultimately belonged to Trabzonspor because it combined tactical discipline with individual brilliance. Reis provided the structure, the midfield created balance, and Salah supplied the decisive moments. Galatasaray had possession in phases, but Trabzonspor controlled the most important parts of the match-and the 4-0 scoreline reflected that superiority.