Thomas Reis Praises Mohamed Salah After Trabzonspor’s European Away Win
Trabzonspor coach Thomas Reis has credited Mohamed Salah with inspiring his side to a 4-2 victory over KuPS in the UEFA Conference League, describing the Egyptian forward as a rare talent with the mentality to drive a team towards trophies.
Salah delivered a decisive performance at the Tammelan Stadion in Tampere, scoring once and setting up another goal as the Turkish club claimed an important away result. His contribution helped turn a demanding European fixture in Trabzonspor’s favour and reinforced his growing influence within the squad.
Salah makes the difference in Tampere
Trabzonspor needed composure and creativity to manage the challenge posed by KuPS, and Salah supplied both. His goal capped a strong individual display, while his assist showed the vision and quality that Reis believes can change the direction of a match.
For the coach, the performance was more than a collection of impressive moments. Salah’s ability to take responsibility, make himself available and deliver in key situations gave Trabzonspor a focal point in attack. In a competitive football match, that kind of presence can help teammates settle and give the entire side greater belief.
Speaking after the game, Reis said that teams aiming to win titles need players with Salah’s competitive character. He expressed confidence that the forward could help Trabzonspor pursue silverware this season, pointing to the standards and attitude he brings to the group.
“He has the mentality that leads all of us at Trabzonspor,” Reis said, praising the Egyptian’s influence beyond his direct involvement in goals. The coach’s comments suggest that Salah is already viewed not only as a match-winner, but also as an example for the players around him.
Reis tells teammates to find their playmaker
Reis also revealed that he had given his players a clear instruction: when Salah is in a position to receive the ball, they should look to involve him. The coach described him as the team’s playmaker and highlighted the forward’s ability to create opportunities as well as finish them.
That approach reflects the value of building an attack around a player who can influence a game in several ways. Salah can draw defenders out of position, combine quickly with teammates and turn a small opening into a dangerous chance. When opponents focus heavily on stopping him, his movement can also create space for other Trabzonspor attackers.
Reis singled out Salah’s assist as one of the defining moments of the contest, while his goal helped seal the victory. Together, the two contributions illustrated why the coach wants his side to trust the Egyptian in advanced areas rather than treating him solely as a finisher.
For supporters following the club’s European campaign, the result offers an encouraging sign. Winning away from home requires more than attacking flair: teams must also respond to pressure, maintain concentration and make the most of their chances. Trabzonspor’s four-goal return showed their potential going forward, while the two goals conceded will give the coaching staff points to review before the next fixtures.
“There is no one like him,” says Trabzonspor coach
Reis did not hide his admiration for Salah, calling him an exceptional, one-of-a-kind player. He said the forward seems capable of producing something special whenever he gets on the ball, a quality that makes him valuable in tight matches where a single moment can shape the outcome.
The coach also thanked Trabzonspor’s management and Salah himself for making the move to the club. His remarks underline the importance of the signing to the team’s ambitions: a player of Salah’s experience can bring technical quality, a winning mindset and added attention to the club’s European campaign.
Reis said he was no longer surprised when Salah performed at a high level, explaining that he had watched the Egyptian excel in one of Europe’s strongest leagues. That experience, he suggested, gives him confidence that Salah can maintain a high standard from one match to the next.
Still, sustaining that level across a long season will depend on more than one player. Trabzonspor will need to keep Salah fit, provide him with effective support and remain balanced against opponents who may adjust their tactics to limit his influence. As the team’s profile rises, rival coaches are likely to devote extra attention to his movement and the spaces he prefers to attack.
What the result could mean for Trabzonspor’s season
The KuPS win gives Trabzonspor momentum in the UEFA Conference League and offers Reis evidence that his side can produce an attacking performance on the road. Salah’s display is likely to strengthen expectations, but it also raises an important question for the weeks ahead: can the team turn individual brilliance into consistent results across both domestic and European competition?
Trabzonspor’s upcoming schedule includes a meeting with KuPS on October 18 and a Turkish Super Lig fixture against Beşiktaş on October 20. Those matches will provide an early test of the squad’s ability to recover quickly and carry its European confidence into domestic football. Facing different opponents in a short period will also require Reis to manage his players carefully and decide how best to use Salah’s creativity.
From a football prediction perspective, Salah’s form makes Trabzonspor a more dangerous side, particularly when the Egyptian is able to receive the ball in attacking areas. However, predicting results remains difficult: the team’s defensive organisation, the fitness of key players and the quality of the opposition will all matter. The clearest takeaway from Tampere is that Trabzonspor have a player capable of changing a game—and a coach who believes the squad should trust him to do so.
Reis’s praise reflects both the impact of Salah’s performance and the ambition surrounding Trabzonspor’s season. If the forward continues to combine goals, assists and leadership, he could become central to the club’s pursuit of success. For now, his display against KuPS has given the Turkish side a valuable European victory and its supporters plenty of reason to look ahead with optimism.
