National Team Head Coach Vincenzo Montella made statements at the press conference held ahead of the match against Italy in the UEFA Nations League League A group. The Italian coach answered questions regarding missing players, the team's goals, the criticism directed at him, and his future.
MONTELLA'S MESSAGE OF VICTORY
Evaluating the level at which they are competing in the Nations League, Montella stated that Turkey does not yet have enough experience at this level.
"Even though we are competing at this level for the first time, we want to win against everyone. The reason I say we are at this level for the first time is that we do not have the habit of being here as a country. We are continuing by gaining experience."
MANY ABSENCES AGAINST ITALY
Stating that they will not be able to benefit from important players in the Italy match, Montella announced that in addition to Arda Güler, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Kenan Yıldız, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Orkun Kökçü, and Mert Müldür will also be unable to play.
Emphasizing that the absences are significant for them, Montella said that this situation could create an opportunity to evaluate different players.
"They are all very important players for us. We can see such an opportunity as a chance to see new faces. I am hopeful that we will get a good result."
REACTION TO CRITICISM
Speaking about the criticism directed at him, Montella stated that he knows the dynamics of football well and does not take into account evaluations outside the framework of logic.
"I know the dynamics of football completely. Of course, I am open to all criticism, but I do not listen to irrational criticism. We are competing in League A for the first time in our history. We achieved this together, but we are struggling with very large and very important absences."
"THE ONLY THING THAT UPSETS ME IS UNFAIR CRITICISM"
Montella also expressed his discomfort with the harsh criticism directed at the players.
"The only thing that upsets me is the harsh, unfair criticism directed at our players. They are human beings like us. They can be affected when the criticism is unfair and harsh."
The Italian coach also shared that he had been suggested to call up a 31-year-old striker playing in the 3rd League to the national team. Montella stated that players should be supported.
WILL HE LEAVE HIS POST?
At the press conference, Montella was also asked whether the Italy match would be his last match at the helm of the National Team.
The Italian coach answered the question about his future with these words:
"As a professional, I am a person who keeps my desire to work and my desire to win alive. My heart is also clean. I know the dynamics of football clearly. I always focus on the present. In general, nothing else comes to my mind. I am only thinking about the national team."
"I AM THE ONLY COACH"
After the press conference, Montella also made statements to SKY Italia. Responding to the criticism directed at him there as well, Montella emphasized Turkey's success in the UEFA Nations League.
"Like it or not, I am the only coach to lead Turkey to League A in the UEFA Nations League."
News Source: 12punto
