30.03.2026 20:00
Turkey's national football team head coach Vincenzo Montella spoke before the match against Kosovo in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers play-off. Montella, who talked about the long absence from the World Cup, said, "Everyone feels the pressure. This is a final. We haven't been for 24 years, but most of our players weren't even born then. If we haven't been for 24 years, it's not their fault. This time we want to go."
The head coach of the Turkish National Football Team, Vincenzo Montella, made statements at a press conference before the away match against Kosovo in the playoff final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers.
'EVERYONE BECAME A FIGHTING GROUP'
Commenting on his team, Vincenzo Montella said, "First of all, I want to summarize the last 2.5 years. The priority is our players; they are real men! Before being great footballers, they did their best as great men. I came at a very critical time. We defeated Croatia, which has never lost at home in its history. Since that day, the players have always given me everything. Everyone, whether playing or not, became a fighting group. They realized that the name written on the back of their jerseys is not their own but the name of a great nation."
"ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WITH THE SUPPORT GIVEN TO ME"
Speaking about the support he received, the Italian coach stated, "I carry in my heart that this country has treated me like one of its own. From day one, I felt the support of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF). If I have the highest average points in official matches, it is because of the support given to me."
"WE HAVE BECOME A RESPECTED NATIONAL TEAM"
The experienced coach continued, "We have become a respected national team in the world. We have risen in the Nations League, we have risen in the FIFA rankings. I thank everyone. I feel my players like my own children, like my family. I thank Mr. Hacıosmanoğlu. We will do our best for the World Cup dream we have been dreaming of for a long time. No matter the result in the Kosovo match, my thoughts about my players will never change. I would not trade them for anything."
"KOSOVO DESERVED TO BE HERE"
Speaking about the opponent Kosovo, Montella said, "Kosovo deserved to be here. Their tactical setups are evident; there is a very clear game and idea. You can see this during the match. We will be playing in the final match. We will prepare in the best way, and I know what we want to do."
"THE RESPONSIBLE FOR 24 YEARS IS NOT THESE KIDS"
Commenting on the long absence from the World Cup, the successful coach said, "Everyone feels the pressure. This is a final. We haven't gone for 24 years, but most of our players were not born. If we haven't been able to go for 24 years, they are not responsible. This time we want to go; we will do our best for our country. We need to neutralize Kosovo's strengths. We have worked on this. We will also highlight our own characteristics. It will be a different match."