Sergen Yalçın, who was appointed after the Vincenzo Montella era ended in the National Football Team, has begun preparations for the preliminary squad for the matches against Belgium and France to be played in November.
It was stated that the 53-year-old coach, with whom the Turkish Football Federation signed a 4-year contract, had made contact with players ahead of the Nations League matches. During this process, allegations surfaced that some players were not answering Yalçın's calls.
Journalist Sercan Hamzaoğlu stated in a post on his X account, "A few players who are regulars in the National Team are not answering Sergen Yalçın's calls. The reason is the harsh comments Sergen Yalçın made about these players during his time as a commentator. One player said, 'Even if he is the coach, I will not answer that person's call; he is non-existent to me.'"
Journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, however, reported that the claim in question does not reflect the truth. The report stated that Yalçın had spoken one-on-one with all the players in the National Team pool and that there was no player who did not answer his calls.
In the same report, it was claimed that Kenan Yıldız, who underwent surgery on his left foot and is expected to return to the pitch by the end of November, was also invited to the squad.
EXCLUSIVE | Sergen Yalçın spoke one-on-one with all the players in the National Team. There was no one who did not answer his calls. Despite being injured, Kenan Yıldız was invited to the National Team by Sergen Yalçın. The goal is to send a message of unity and solidarity in the first camp.
— Yağız Sabuncuoğlu (@yagosabuncuoglu) October 29, 2026
It was noted that Yalçın's decision to call the young player to the squad for the first camp period despite his injury was intended to send a message of unity and solidarity within the team. The preliminary squad is expected to be officially announced by the TFF.
"PLAYERS ARE HURT BY SERGEN YALÇIN"
On the other hand, Sercan Hamzaoğlu, who made a new statement following the denial of his report, stated that he stands by his story and said the following:
"Whether the TFF or any of my colleagues denies it, I stand 100% behind my story. I saw the event with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears. Moreover, two important senior colleagues with whom I was broadcasting at the time were with me; they are also my witnesses.
Some issues are sensitive. For this reason, I understand why my report had to be denied. Of course, the player will not come out and say 'I am not going to the National Team' or 'I am not answering the phone' right now, but the behind-the-scenes of the event is not like that at all. Some of the players are incredibly hurt by the comments Sergen Yalçın made about them.
Let some come out and deny it. I saw what I saw, and I am not dragging the matter out. I have no personal issues with Coach Sergen either. He is a person I like in normal times as well. But business is business.
As I said, I stand by my story and my words. I witnessed this event with my own eyes yesterday. Even if the whole world denies it, it doesn't matter."
News Source: 12punto
