Vincenzo Montella will keep on the helm of the Turkish nationwide soccer group by the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, signing a two-year extension that underscores the Italian coach’s deepening bond with the squad and nation.
At a signing ceremony held Monday on the TFF Hasan Doğan National Training Facility in Riva, Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu praised Montella not simply as a tactician, however as a frontrunner who has constructed a “college-like” group spirit.
“He’s Italian by birth, but Turkish at heart,” stated Hacıosmanoğlu. “Montella’s daughter celebrated our win like Mehmet’s daughter in Trabzon. That’s how much they’ve embraced this team.”
Since taking cost in 2022, Montella has steered Türkiye to its first EURO look in 16 years and oversaw a historic 3-2 win over Germany in Berlin – their first in 72 years. The extension, Hacıosmanoğlu famous, is about continuity and unity as Türkiye builds towards its final goal: a long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup.
“We haven’t qualified since 2002,” he stated. “We want to be there in 2026 – not just to compete, but to bring joy to our nation and to the wider Muslim world.”
Montella, visibly moved, stated the renewal was deeply private. “I signed my first contract on my late father’s birthday. This journey started with emotion and belief,” he stated. “Working with the TFF has been easy – we share the same vision, especially with President Hacıosmanoğlu, who I now consider a friend.”
He credited the gamers for constructing a household ambiance inside the squad and praised the federation employees for his or her dedication behind the scenes. “From day one, we’ve created something special. The players gave everything with heart. And we built this together – Turks and Italians, side by side.”
The coach, who has scouted practically 700 matches together with his group, acknowledged that Türkiye’s qualification path gained’t be straightforward. Drawn in a gaggle with heavyweights like Spain and darkish horses reminiscent of Georgia, Montella confused full give attention to the qualifiers.
“We’re in one of the toughest groups. But we’ve already shown we can achieve the impossible,” he stated, citing the win over Germany and EURO qualification.
He additionally responded to media questions, providing his ideas on Arda Güler’s growth at Real Madrid beneath Xabi Alonso. “Talented players like Arda can adapt anywhere. He’ll thrive at No. 8 – just like he has elsewhere.”
On Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s rumored transfer, Montella took a philosophical stance: “Finals are earned through victories. Hakan has grown immensely over the past few years. My only wish is that he keeps playing and stays happy.”
When requested whether or not he would take into account turning into a Turkish citizen, Montella didn’t hesitate: “Of course. But I know I must learn Turkish first – and be careful, because I’m starting to understand more than you think,” he joked.
Despite receiving a number of affords from elsewhere, Montella stated leaving was by no means an choice. “This team is my project. I’m where I want to be – where growth is possible, where I’m happy.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com