The comprehensive defeat proved to be the final straw for Tekke, who sensationally quit his post during a post-match television interview. The 48-year-old took full responsibility for the heavy European exit, bringing his 18-month tenure to an abrupt and emotional end.
“I am resigning from a very honourable position,” Tekke announced live on air. “Today’s defeat is unacceptable. Misfortunes and bad luck are all acceptable, but I cannot accept this. I cannot sleep with this feeling. May everyone forgive me. We did our best.”
The outgoing boss pinpointed the second-half sending-off as the catalyst for their unravelling, before insisting he had to hold himself accountable. “We had a very sad night. Of course, the reason is me and my team,” he added. “It was a sad night for both our country and our club.
“Until the red card, it seemed like a match that would go well. As a result, we couldn’t qualify for the Europa League. For 18 months, day and night, my team and I have been thinking about how we can do better.
“The team will be much, much better, that’s for sure. I won’t elaborate further. Nobody knows. As of now, I am resigning from my position after 18 months. I think I have the right to punish myself in this way.”