"First words from Montella after the defeat against Montenegro."

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Our national team lost 3-1 to Montenegro in the UEFA Nations League B League. The team, which finished second in its group, will play in the play-offs to be promoted to League A. A National Team Head Coach Vincenzo Montella made statements after the match.

"WE DESERVED TO BE FIRST"

The Italian coach said, "We are all very sad. We deserved to be at the top in the Nations League. Looking back at the last match, we had the leadership we deserved. Football was played on a pitch that was too bad to be tried. We were struggling to stand on the sidelines; I can't imagine my players. I congratulate my players for their hearts and efforts. This was not the result we wanted. We are very sad," he said.

"WE PLAYED ON A PITCH SO BAD THAT FOOTBALL COULDN'T BE PLAYED"

Montella continued, "Actually, I said before the match that it wouldn't be an easy game. We fought until the end. It was a battle match. We tried to play football on a pitch so bad that football couldn't be played. We went toe-to-toe until the last moment, but the opponent was a step ahead. We are sad about the result, but my players fought until the end," he said.

"I AM PROUD OF MY PLAYERS"

Vincenzo Montella stated, "At this level, you can't even try to play football on such a pitch. I am even prouder of my players. They fought until the end. Many of them couldn't come to this camp in their best condition. Some couldn't play, and some had injuries. We cannot let a single defeat disrupt our balance and disregard everything we have done. We have shown everyone how high our competitiveness has been over the last year," he said.

"AGAINST MY PHILOSOPHY"

The 50-year-old coach responded to the question, "If you could change one decision, what would it be?" by saying, "It's easy to talk afterwards, but we could have lowered the technical capacity and increased the physical capacity. However, that would go against my game philosophy."