Thomas Reis celebrates debut win against reigning champion Galatasaray

Thomas Reis, the 52‑year‑old German, celebrated a debut win in his first match as coach of Trabzonspor against the reigning champions Galatasaray, who lost at home on Saturday with a clear result. The game ended with a convincing score that exceeded expectations for the new coach.

Surprising Introduction of Reis

Reis was introduced on Thursday as the new coach of Trabzonspor, a move that surprised many. The appointment came only a few days before his first official match.

Previously, the former professional player had signed in July with the Bulgarian club Ludogorez Razgrad, but he left the team after only two months.

Reis already had Turkish experience: between 2024 and 2026 he managed Samsunspor, guiding the team as third‑place finishers in his first season into the Europa League playoffs.

In Germany he is best known for his time at VfL Bochum and FC Schalke 04. With VfL he achieved promotion to the Bundesliga in 2021 as champions, while at Schalke in 2023 he could not avert the relegation threat.

In the match Mohamed Salah was the man of the evening, scoring in the 4th, 43rd and 79th minute. Noah Saviolo temporarily made it 2‑0, which later contributed to the final score.

For Galatasaray the defeat meant their first loss of the season. Near the end Lesley Ugochukwu received a red card in the 86th minute for a hard foul on Ozan Tufan.

International player Leroy Sané, who was not called up by Jürgen Klopp to the senior Germany squad, played the full match.