Trabzonspor has appointed Thomas Reis as its new head coach following the departure of Fatih Tekke, with the German manager arriving in the city via a private flight on September 15, 2026, according to reporting by fanatik.com.tr. The Super Lig club moved quickly to secure Reis after an exhaustive search to steady a turbulent campaign and address physical conditioning issues within the squad.
Thomas Reis Arrives in Trabzon for Final Talks
According to fanatik.com.tr, Thomas Reis landed in Trabzon via a private flight to finalize contract details and put pen to paper on his new agreement. The appointment follows the exit of club legend Fatih Tekke from the technical director role. Bordo-mavili club executives conducted thorough evaluations before settling on the former Samsunspor boss to take charge of the first team.
Fanatik.com.tr reported that Reis received a warm welcome upon touching down in the city. He is scheduled to waste no time, stepping straight onto the training pitches to prepare the squad for an upcoming fixture.
Pro Tip for Matchday: Reis takes over the bench just in time for a high-stakes test against Galatasaray on Saturday, September 19, at Papara Park, making his immediate tactical integration crucial for the club’s league trajectory.
Comparing the Resumes: Süper Lig Experience vs. Bulgarian Form
Thomas Reis brings established Turkish football knowledge to Trabzonspor. According to reporting, he previously managed Samsunspor for nearly a year and a half, from July 2024 to February 2026. Across 72 official matches with the red-and-whites, he secured 33 wins, 18 draws, and 21 losses, accumulating a solid 1.63 points-per-game average that left a lasting impression on the league.
Before accepting the Trabzonspor post, Reis managed Bulgarian First League side Ludogorets. According to statistics, he guided the squad through an impressive run this season, collecting 23 points from 9 league matches to sit in second place, just two points behind league leaders Levski Sofya. Across 11 total official fixtures with Ludogorets this term, his record stood at 7 victories, 3 draws, and only 1 defeat.
Why Trabzonspor Chose Reis
Club management targeted the German manager primarily due to his familiarity with Turkish football dynamics and his proven ability to raise squad discipline and physical fitness levels. With Trabzonspor navigating a difficult stretch in the Trendyol Super Lig, leadership views Reis as the ideal candidate to reverse the team’s fortunes.

Did You Know? Thomas Reis kept Ludogorets firmly in the thick of the Bulgarian title race, losing just one official match all season before making his return to Turkish football.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Thomas Reis arrive in Trabzon?
Thomas Reis arrived in Trabzon via private flight on September 15, 2026, to finalize his contract with Trabzonspor, as reported by fanatik.com.tr.
Who did Thomas Reis replace at Trabzonspor?
He replaced club efsanesi Fatih Tekke, who parted ways with the Super Lig side following a turbulent start to the season.
When is Thomas Reis’s first match in charge?
According to fanatik.com.tr, Reis will manage his first game on Saturday, September 19, when Trabzonspor hosts Galatasaray at Papara Park.
What was his record at Samsunspor?
Reis managed Samsunspor in 72 official matches between July 2024 and February 2026, recording 33 wins, 18 draws, and 21 losses with a 1.63 points-per-game average.
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