27.06.2026 12:27
After the National Team's farewell to the World Cup with a victory over the USA, Nihat Kahveci harshly criticized Vincenzo Montella live on air. Kahveci targeted the Italian coach with phrases such as "I would sack Montella tomorrow," "You've turned people off from the national team," and "Give him a Turkish passport and let him go."
The National Football Team completed the tournament with 3 points by defeating the USA 3-2 in the final match of the 2026 World Cup Group D. However, following defeats to Australia and Paraguay, the already eliminated Crescent-Stars saw debates continue despite the victory.
Former national footballer and sports commentator Nihat Kahveci reacted very harshly to head coach Vincenzo Montella's statements during a live broadcast.
"I WOULD SEND MONTELLA AWAY TOMORROW"
Reacting to Montella's post-match statements and what he argued were constant excuses, Kahveci said, "I would send Montella away tomorrow! He's still taking jabs. We're tired of listening to statistics and excuses!"
"YOU HAVE COOLED PEOPLE OFF FROM THE NATIONAL TEAM"
Kahveci, stating that fans had stayed up until dawn for the early matches but interest in the USA game had waned, argued that the technical staff and the team were responsible.
Kahveci said, "You have cooled people off; people didn't get up this morning. When you land at the airport, leave the excuses, explain this, and apologize!"
"GIVE HIM THE TURKISH PASSPORT AND LET HIM GO"
Nihat Kahveci also reacted to Montella's words "we played for our honor," saying, "You're still taking jabs, where did you show your spirit! We didn't sleep on match days, man! Give him the Turkish passport and let him go!"