Thomas Reis is the new coach of Samsunspor. The 50-year-old succeeds Markus Gisdol at the Turkish first division club, who left the port city after the club finished in the top flight
Samsun will continue to play first division soccer in the coming season – and Markus Gisdol played a big part in that. The 54-year-old Swabian, who coached TSG Hoffenheim, Hamburger SV and 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga, took over winless Samsunspor in October 2023 in last place and led them to relegation from the Turkish top flight thanks to 42 points in 31 games
The fans paid homage to their head coach with chants and choreographies, triggering euphoria in the port city. However, after completing his mission, Gisdol decided against staying on the Black Sea coast. “I came as a stranger and am leaving as a friend,” he wrote as a farewell on the Instagram platform, where Samsunspor thanked his “beloved coach” “endlessly.”
The club’s management are now continuing on their chosen path and are once again relying on a German coach. Thomas Reis, who was sacked last fall after just one year at FC Schalke 04, signed a one-year contract with Samsunspor on Wednesday with an option for a further season.
“I will do my best to lead our team to success. I believe that we will achieve great success with the support of our fans,” Reis said confidently during his presentation in Samsun. The new coach is expected to integrate young players in particular, according to a statement.