06.11.2026 15:40
National Team Head Coach Sergen Yalçın made a remarkable decision in the first preliminary squad he announced for the Belgium and France matches. Berke Özer, who had been away from the national team due to the crisis during the Vincenzo Montella era, was invited back to the crescent-star team. Yalçın, who had previously signaled that he would include the young goalkeeper in the squad, kept his word.
In the Turkish National Football Team, the first provisional squad of the Sergen Yalçın era has been announced. While the choices of the new head coach draw attention in the crescent-starred team that will face Belgium and France in UEFA Nations League A, one of the most important developments was Berke Özer's return. The young goalkeeper, who had been away from the national team due to the disagreement during Vincenzo Montella's era, was included in the list announced by Sergen Yalçın.
THERE HAD BEEN A CRISIS DURING THE MONTELLA ERA
The disagreement with Berke Özer during the tenure of former Turkish National Team head coach Vincenzo Montella caused the young goalkeeper to stay away from the crescent-starred team. After Montella left his post, it was wondered what decision Sergen Yalçın, who was appointed head coach, would make regarding Berke.
After taking office, the experienced coach had left the door open to the young goalkeeper, stating in his statements that the problems experienced in the past could be solved.
"I WILL TALK TO BERKE, OF COURSE HE WILL COME"
In a previous statement on the Kafa Sports YouTube channel, Sergen Yalçın had given positive messages about bringing Berke Özer back to the national team. Yalçın said, "There were some problems regarding Berke Özer before, but these are not things that cannot be solved. They are young kids; they can make mistakes. I don't think it will be very difficult." The experienced coach, stating that he would personally meet with the young goalkeeper, continued his words as follows:
"I will talk to Berke. Of course he will come, why wouldn't he? There won't be a problem. These are our children; we will have the necessary conversation. If there is something he needs to apologize for, he will apologize. We will solve it."
HE GAVE HIS WORD LIVE ON AIR AND INCLUDED HIM IN THE SQUAD
Speaking again about Berke Özer at the press conference held before the Belgium and France matches, Sergen Yalçın stated that the young goalkeeper wanted to return to the national team. In his assessment live on air, Yalçın used the following statements:
"Problems can happen; these are young kids. Berke is eager to come to the national team. I don't think anyone has a problem with Berke. He will be in our squad."
After this statement, the experienced coach kept his earlier promise by including Berke Özer in the provisional squad he announced.
BERKE ÖZER WILL WEAR THE CRESCENT-STAR JERSEY AGAIN
In the goalkeeper rotation of the provisional squad determined by Sergen Yalçın for the Belgium and France matches, along with Berke Özer, Uğurcan Çakır, Ersin Destanoğlu and Serhat Öztaşdelen were included. With Berke's recall to the squad, a new page was opened in the national team after the crisis experienced during the Montella era. Whether the young goalkeeper will play in the matches will depend on Sergen Yalçın's choice.
FIRST OPPONENT: BELGIUM
The Turkish National Team will host Belgium in UEFA Nations League A Group 1 on Thursday, November 12 in İzmir. The crescent-starred team will face France away on Sunday, November 15.