Fatih Tekke Highlights Crucial Importance of Cup and League for Us

Jordan Hartwell

Published: February 3, 2026 1:03 PM ET

In the Ziraat Türkiye Kupası A Grubu 3rd week match, Trabzonspor is set to face Fethiyespor at Papara Park. Ahead of this significant encounter, Trabzonspor’s head coach, Fatih Tekke, shared his insights on the team’s current status and the importance of the match.

Fatih Tekke Highlights Crucial Importance of Cup and League

Fatih Tekke emphasized the importance of both the cup and the league in his statements, saying, “The cup is important to us. Both the cup and league hold significant value.” He noted that the team is working to enhance their repeatable gameplay habits.

Critical Five Weeks Ahead

Looking ahead, Tekke pointed out that the upcoming five weeks will be pivotal for the team. “We are focused on improving how we execute our strategies,” he mentioned. He also stressed the necessity of consistent player performance in this critical phase, acknowledging the unique significance of each match.

Importance of performance during the crucial weeks
Every match carries its own weight

Respecting the Opponent and Maintaining Motivation

Tekke highlighted the motivations of Fethiyespor, indicating he has advised his players on this matter. He noted, “There are gaps between the teams, but lower league players can be quite talented.” He reminded his players that teams often find extra motivation when playing against Trabzonspor. “We must stay emotionally charged,” he added, reiterating the significance of concentration.

Team Selection and Development of Young Players

In discussing team selections, Tekke mentioned adaptations in player positions, including placing certain players in the starting lineup to boost their physical performance. He commented on Ahmet Doğan’s role, stating it was purely a choice, adding, “Ahmet, Onur, and Erol are valuable team members.”

Moreover, Tekke emphasized the need for young players to gain experience. “They must go through these atmospheres, make mistakes, and build their confidence,” he stated.

Looking Toward the Future of Trabzonspor

Focusing on the club’s future, Tekke indicated that they are laying a long-term foundation. “For the future of Trabzonspor, we have been working for about six months on strategic planning,” he said. He underscored the importance of being respected among peers and achieving this with his current squad.

He also expressed hope for the young goalkeeper Ahmet Doğan, wishing him a successful match and an opportunity to prove himself. Trabzonspor aims to maintain their competitive spirit in the Türkiye Kupası with a strong result against Fethiyespor.