Trabzonspor Took a Risk to Stop Salah in Hearts Match

Speaking to BBC Sport Scotland after the match at Papara Park, Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken made notable remarks about Trabzonspor's squad depth and the plan they prepared to stop Mohamed Salah. The Belgian coach said that due to injuries they had to move attacking player Rogers Mato to the left of defence, and that he had explained in detail to his player how to mark Salah.

Vrancken admitted that this choice carried a major risk. He said that if Salah had scored early, he would have been wary of heavy criticism for the decision to play Mato in that position. He added that he was pleased the tactic worked up to a point.

The coach also praised the quality of the Trabzonspor squad. Vrancken noted that the Black Sea club had built an organised structure by European standards, and reminded that they had managed to sign a world-class player like Salah on a free transfer.

On the pitch, Salah was influential despite the precautions Hearts took. The Egyptian star converted the penalty won in the 32nd minute and also assisted Franculino Dju's goal in the 58th minute. With this performance, he directly contributed to both of Trabzonspor's goals.

The claret and blues beat KuPS 4-2 away in Finland before defeating Hearts 2-0, raising their points to 6. Sitting at the top of the Conference League table alongside Panathinaikos, Lugano and Brann, Trabzonspor's next opponent will be Freiburg, whom they face away on 5 November.