Trabzonspor head coach Fatih Tekke has backed Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu to rediscover his goalscoring form, urging supporters to remain patient as the forward works his way back to his best.
Onuachu has endured a slow start to the new season and is yet to score for the Black Sea Storm. However, Tekke believes the striker deserves trust rather than criticism after his outstanding contribution during the previous campaign.
The Nigeria international played a leading role for Trabzonspor last season, scoring an impressive 26 goals across all competitions to establish himself as one of the club’s most important players.
Although he has not found the net in the opening games of the current campaign, Tekke insisted that supporters should remember the quality and consistency Onuachu delivered last term.
“If we are talking about the Europa League today, Paul scored 26 goals for us. Don’t we see something wrong with that?” Tekke told karadenizgazete.com.tr.
The Trabzonspor manager also explained that players need time to regain rhythm, especially after limited preparation. He stressed that footballers are human beings who deal with emotions and personal challenges beyond what supporters see on the pitch.
“Let’s be patient with Paul too. Even if he plays badly for two games, he’s showing this performance after only three training sessions.
“Three training sessions. Nobody knows what happens in those.
“The player who goes out there is not a robot. These people have emotions; they have problems.
Tekke insists Onuachu deserves patience
Tekke remains convinced that the 26 year old striker will soon return to scoring goals and make another important impact for Trabzonspor as the season progresses.
The experienced coach expressed complete confidence in Onuachu’s ability and believes his current goal drought will only be temporary.
“He will start scoring. Did he score? He will start scoring; he is going to,” Tekke added.
“But Paul, I mean, doesn’t this boy deserve applause? Therefore, our situation is good.”
Trabzonspor will now hope their Nigerian forward quickly regains his clinical touch as they continue their domestic and European ambitions this season. For Tekke, patience remains the key as he expects Onuachu’s quality to shine through once again.
