Preparation match results not crucial, coach Montella says

Ahead of the European Championship, the national team, which has not secured victory in five matches – one official and four friendlies – raised concerns before the tournament. However, head coach Vincenzo Montella is not worried.

The Italian coach, emphasizing that preparation matches cannot be a measure, said, “We tried many experiments in these matches. We had to see some names and systems. We are a good team, and we are aware of our strengths. We will play in Germany as if it were our home ground. No one should worry; this team will be very successful. We are not overly concerned about missing players; we will field 11 players on the pitch.”

‘Every match is like a final’

Reminding that thousands of fans even attend training sessions, Montella said, “We know the expectations of the Turkish people. There are only a few things we need to improve, and we focus more on them. You will see a team that fights and struggles until the last whistle on the field. We will never give up.”

Montella expressed optimism about the team’s morale, highlighting a positive atmosphere within the squad. He emphasized the competitive nature of the tournament, noting the participation of 24 teams and stating that every team has earned its place. Montella stressed the team’s commitment to approaching every match with a winning mentality, regardless of the opponent’s size or stature. Their primary objective, he stated, is to progress beyond the group stage.

Two missing players in national team

The national team intensified its tournament preparations in Germany, conducting double training sessions each day. The morning sessions were dedicated to enhancing physical fitness, while the evening sessions emphasized tactical drills and strategies. Notably, Irfan Can Kahveci, receiving treatment for an injury, and Cenk Tosun, who rested as a precautionary measure, were absent from the training sessions.