Trabzonspor is in an intensive evaluation process to appoint a new head coach for the Süper Lig season. According to statements from club president Ertuğrul Doğan, Spanish coach Marcelino and Portuguese manager Sergio Conceiçao have emerged as the leading candidates. As reported by Hürriyet Spor, the board is considering both domestic and foreign options, but all signs point towards a foreign appointment.
The club started the 2026-27 season in 11th place, collecting 4 points from their first three matches. Trailing league leaders Galatasaray by 3 points, the Black Sea Storm has scored 4 goals and conceded 4. Their recent form of loss, win, and draw (LWD) shows inconsistency. The team's next league fixture is at home against 6th-placed Kocaelispor on December 20, 2026. Filling the managerial vacancy before that match is now a priority.
Which candidates are in the frame?
The club's shortlist features two prominent foreign managers. Spaniard Marcelino last managed La Liga side Villarreal. Portuguese Sergio Conceiçao recently left his post at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. Both coaches bring significant European experience. The Trabzonspor board continues to evaluate these two names alongside other potential candidates. The current standings in the Süper Lig and the makeup of the existing squad will be factors in the final decision.
What did President Doğan say?
Trabzonspor President Ertuğrul Doğan emphasized the sensitivity of the head coach selection. Doğan stated, "We have no luxury to make mistakes. Therefore, we are considering everything. But it looks like it will be foreign." This comment signals the club is preparing for a critical appointment for the coming period. The president's words make it clear the selection won't be rushed, but is leaning towards a foreign technical lead.
What is the team's current situation?
Although it's early in the season, Trabzonspor's league position demands an urgent turnaround. The team sits mid-table with 4 points and a zero goal difference. Being only 3 points behind leaders Galatasaray increases the importance of early intervention. The new manager will need to solidify the defensive organization and improve attacking efficiency first. Detailed statistics on the team's goals scored and conceded throughout the season can be followed on the stats page. The full schedule for the coming weeks is available in the fixtures section.
As the decision process continues, fans and the football community await the announcement of the new head coach before the Kocaelispor match on December 20th. The Trabzonspor board is working to find the right name to achieve its objectives for the remainder of the season.
