President Erdogan defended Montella, who is the target of criticism arrows.

The match in which the National Team bid farewell to EURO 2024 with a 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands, President Erdogan, who watched the match at the stadium, answered journalists' questions about the agenda on the way back to the country. Speaking about Italian coach Vincenzo Montella, who is the target of criticism arrows, Erdogan said, "What? He didn't make the changes on time. Come on, let him do it. It should have been in the 60th minute, why didn't it happen in the 60th minute? He is already a proven name."

"IT WOULD BE EASIER FOR US IF MONTELLA STAYS IN HIS POSITION"

After the defeat, Montella, who was criticized for making substitutions late and for his interventions in the game, was supported by President Erdogan, saying, "They all gave their best on the field. I kiss them all from their eyes. We will reflect these experiences to 2032. Our solidarity with the Italians is very important there too. In fact, it happened to take on this job together with the Italians due to infrastructure and facilities. If Montella stays in his position as an Italian, our job will probably be easier."

"HE IS ALREADY A PROVEN NAME"

Every coach has a defended side. Just as there is no perfect person, there is no perfect coach either. There are coaches in basketball and volleyball, and the situation is the same there. Montella is already a proven person. Now they have started attacking him immediately. What? He didn't make the changes on time. Come on, let him do it. It should have been in the 60th minute, why didn't it happen in the 60th minute? They are saying these things. I am not on this side of the matter. He is already a proven name. Therefore, he is trying to do his best, he is doing it.

"IF TURKEY IS SAID TO BE IN THE TOP FIVE, IT MEANS THEY HAVE ACHIEVED SOMETHING"

When the team wins, Montella is good, when there is a defeat, he is bad. These are not elegant things. Especially as a President, it doesn't suit me at all. We only said "he did his best". What is being talked about now? If Turkey is said to be in the top five, it means they have achieved something," he said.