Thomas Reis has called on Trabzonspor to remain humble and maintain their hard work after the Turkish side made a winning start to their European campaign with a 2-0 victory over Scottish club Hearts in the second round of the Conference League.
The result was deserved, according to the Trabzonspor manager, although he admitted his team struggled during the opening stages at home.
“I congratulate and thank the team. We faced some difficulties during the first 15 to 20 minutes, but after that we were able to impose our style of play,” Reis told reporters after the match.
“It was a deserved victory. We are talking about a new midfield and it was not easy, but we managed to settle into the game. Tim started for the first time and we controlled the second half completely.”
Reis also discussed the situations of Benjamin Bouchouari and Batista Mendy, who have been absent from the Trabzonspor squad in the Turkish Super Lig for several weeks.
He said it would be difficult for either player to return immediately to a starting position after such a lengthy absence.
“This situation is not easy for Benjamin or the other players. We saw that in the Finland match as well. Starting after being out for several weeks is not easy,” the German coach said.
“Mendy played a week ago. They are feeling better now, but it is not easy for them to start immediately. They are doing everything they can.”
The manager was particularly pleased to see Folcarelli return to the starting line-up after a long spell out with injury.
“I am very happy for Folcarelli. He had been out for a long time and today he had the opportunity to start. We will see what decisions are made regarding all the players in the future,” Reis added.
Reis praises squad unity
Trabzonspor face strong competition for places in the starting XI, but Reis believes the squad has maintained its unity despite the inevitable frustration among players who are left on the bench.
“We train every day. We have rules and a strong team both on and off the pitch. It is not easy because everyone wants to play and some players feel disappointed when they are on the bench, but I believe we are united and looking forward,” he said.
The victory gave Trabzonspor a positive beginning in Europe, but Reis insisted the team’s immediate priority was to continue working rather than focus too far ahead in the competition.
“Our start in Europe has been good. We must remain humble and continue working hard; that is our aim,” he said.
“We have an important league match ahead of us and then we will focus on the next game. We are always looking ahead to the next match.”
