Trabzonspor trounced Turkcell Super League champion Bursaspor 3-0 to claim the Turkish Super Cup on Saturday.
A hat trick by Colombian player Teofilo Gutierrez clinched the win for the Ziraat Turkish Cup winner. That win gave Trabzonspor its first win in the Super Cup, which replaced the Presidential Cup five years ago. The Black Sea side won the now-defunct Presidential Cup seven times.
Despite the three-goal victory, the match was far from being a lopsided effort, as conceded by Trabzonspor coach Şenol Güneş.
“We were not perfect,” said Güneş. “We have many flaws. Just because we won does not mean that everything is fine.
“We could not dictate the game well enough. We could have been better. But those games are perfect for making us see where we are lacking.”
Güneş gave credit to the man of the match, Teofilo. The Colombian failed to score a goal in his first 15 appearances in Trabzon shirt, but ended his drought in unforgettable fashion and now silenced his critics.
“I never doubted his abilities,” said the former goalkeeping hero. “He has always been good but he was low on productivity. He had some problems on adaptation to Turkish football.
“Now he should improve his physical condition. Then he will be able to use his technique better.”
Teofilo said he was happy that he is over his drought.
“Every striker faces problems when he can not score for long periods,” he said. “Tonight, I am over this pressure.”
The Colombian had time for the Trabzonspor fans, who were the dominant side in the stands of the Istanbul Atatürk Stadium, as well.
“They are the best supporters in Turkey, they come to everywhere we play,” he said. “I am happy that we made them happy with the result.”
Meanwhile, the competition for the forward position is to get harder, since Trabzonspor on Saturday announced the signing of Brazilian striker Jaja from Metalist Kharkiv of Ukraine.
The Brazilian admitted that it will be hard to compete against the likes of Teofilo and compatriot Alanzinho.
“I have seen that we are really quality team, and I rate Teofilo and Alanzinho really highly,” he said. “I need to work hard. I know a lot about the league and I believe we can beat anyone as long as we try hard.”
