In the first match of the UEFA Nations League A Group 1, the A National Football Team was defeated 1-0 by France, whom they hosted in Kocaeli. The only goal of the match came from Kylian Mbappe.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, head coach Vincenzo Montella stated that despite the result, he was pleased with the team's performance on the pitch. The Italian coach described the match as "one of the best matches in terms of mental and physical aspects."
Montella said, "Even though we got a really sad result, I have to say this; it was one of the best matches we have played so far in terms of mental and physical aspects. It was a neck-and-neck battle. We had a few chances, we could have capitalized on them better."
MONTELLA EMPHASIZES PERFORMANCE AND CONCENTRATION
Drawing attention to the team's fighting spirit, Montella said this match showed that Turkey can compete against top-level opponents. Congratulating his players, the experienced coach stated, "This match showed that we can compete with anyone. We deserved more, but I congratulate my players; they played very well."
Pointing to the importance of concentration throughout the match, Montella emphasized the need to maintain the same level for 100 minutes. Stating that team spirit and character were reflected on the pitch, the head coach expressed that they need to build on this performance.
Touching on the red card incident in the match, Montella stated that he could not fully examine the footage. Saying that he tried to see the position from the screen used by the referees, Montella said, "It was not a very clear handball, but unfortunately these things happen in football. We have to deal with this too."
Expressing that even the smallest mistake can be punished against an opponent with quality players like France, Montella said the goal also came from "a small mistake." Nevertheless, he emphasized that his players gave a strong test in terms of technique and physicality.
Stating that the pitch surface did not fully help the game they wanted to play, Montella noted that despite this, they played courageously and the team reflected its spirit on the pitch. Saying "We deserved more," Montella stated that he found the result sad.
Speaking about the absences, Montella mentioned the absence of Orkun Kökçü and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, while expressing his satisfaction with the performances of Salih Özcan and İsmail Yüksek. Reminding that important players like Mert Müldür and Kenan Yıldız were also not in the squad, Montella said that the current players are at a level that deserves to play.
Stating that Orkun Kökçü's injury continues but his condition will continue to be evaluated, Montella pointed to the upcoming Italy match. The experienced coach stated that they are focused on the next match with the words, "I will give all my energy to our national team. I will be on the pitch to win. Italy can win the match they want after us."
News Source: 12punto
