Coach Montella regrets not having Galatasaray’s Icardi in Turkish national team

Vincenzo Montella, the head coach of the Turkish national football team, recently expressed admiration for Mauro Icardi’s skills, hinting at how valuable the Argentinian forward would be in the national lineup.

Speaking to Tivibu Spor, coach Montella did not hold back in praising Icardi.

Icardi is perhaps one of the best strikers in the world inside the penalty area. If he were Turkish, I would want him in my team.

Vincenzo Montella

Reflecting on Türkiye’s EURO 2024 Performance

Coach Montella’s comments come at a time when he has been reflecting on the recent journey of the Turkish national team. The Italian coach, who took charge of the team after managing Adana Demirspor, has seen a series of highs and lows with his players, especially during EURO 2024.

He acknowledged that the team experienced moments of both joy and disappointment, citing the painful loss to the Netherlands as a particularly hard moment to shake off. “The second goal in that match still stays with me. It was a deep disappointment,” he noted.

Despite the setback, Montella emphasized the unity and resilience shown by his squad throughout the tournament. “Our performance at EURO 2024 was filled with moments that showed our dedication to the flag and our bond with the fans. We deserved more and even dreamed of making a bigger history,” he said, reminiscing about a similar disappointment he faced as a player in EURO 2000.

Coach Montella’s plans for building the Turkish national team

Montella also shed light on key players in the national team and their potential. He mentioned Kerem Akturkoglu’s growth, particularly since his transfer to Benfica, as a positive development.

“Kerem has regained his confidence after a challenging period last season. His recent performances make us proud,” Montella stated, adding that there had been continuous communication with Akturkoglu during his transition to Portugal.

Coach Montella described Besiktas’s Semih Kilicsoy as a promising talent despite limited playing time. “Semih has the technical skills and potential to be an asset for the future. We continue to call him up because he has qualities that the team can benefit from in the long run,” Montella explained. He noted the importance of identifying the young player’s ideal position, suggesting that further development was necessary.

Montella’s words about Juventus midfielder Kenan Yildiz were equally encouraging. He praised the young player’s versatility and mindset. “Wearing the No. 10 jersey at Juventus is a significant responsibility. Kenan needs to focus not only on scoring spectacular goals but also on simpler, opportunistic goals. This will make him stand out even more,” Montella commented.

Turkish national football team coach Montella sets eyes on World Cup

Montella reiterated the team’s ambitious goals, including a return to the A League and participation in the World Cup.

“Our primary goal is to reach the A-League and remain there. Qualifying for the World Cup and achieving success there is our ultimate aspiration,” he declared. He acknowledged the tough competition for World Cup spots in Europe but affirmed the need for relentless effort to achieve this dream.

The Italian coach also shared insights into his relationship with Türkiye’s football authorities. He expressed confidence in the leadership of the Turkish Football Federation President, Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu, stressing their shared value of focusing on action over words. Montella said, “We have built a strong relationship based on mutual understanding and respect. This will be key in navigating future challenges.”

Future of Turkish football under Vincenzo Montella

Since his appointment, coach Montella has brought a unique perspective and leadership style to the Turkish national team. His focus on nurturing young talent and fostering team unity has been evident.

The coach’s commitment is underscored by his determination to see the team qualify for global tournaments and his belief in the fighting spirit of Turkish players. “The courage, determination, and desire for success that come with the Turkish heart are what make this team special,” coach Montella concluded.