The National Football Team's 4-1 defeat to Italy in Bursa during their second match in the UEFA Nations League A Group 1 has caused a widespread stir in the football community. Former national player and commentator Nihat Kahveci also reacted to the overall performance rather than just the result in his post-match assessment.
Speaking on the Kontraspor YouTube channel, Kahveci expressed his disappointment following the heavy defeat with harsh words. Stating, "I wasn't expecting something this bad," Kahveci said that squad selections, the technical staff's decisions, and player substitutions should be called into question.
I am still trying to pull myself together. To be honest, my hands are shaking. I wasn't expecting something this bad. I would say it's a night to be forgotten, but how can you forget it?
Kahveci also criticized the national team's recent performance, making a reference to the Kosovo match. The former player argued that the team and management have failed to reach the expected level following the victory on the road to the World Cup.
We are still stuck in Kosovo. The Federation President is still stuck in Kosovo; he still hasn't returned. The executives are still there. Montella and many of the players are still there too.
Drawing special attention to Arda Güler's efforts on the pitch, Kahveci stated that one cannot expect the young footballer to change the game all by himself. Kahveci expressed that the team's offensive burden has largely fallen on Arda, saying, "Arda is struggling. What are we expecting from Arda, anyway?"
Touching upon the calls for resignation rising from the stands, Kahveci noted that his criticisms were not limited to head coach Vincenzo Montella. The former national player continued his reaction toward the TFF management and technical staff, saying, "There is no one looking in the mirror and engaging in self-criticism. According to them, the fans and the media are to blame. Mass resignation."
News Source: 12punto
