26.03.2026 23:50
Turkey's national football team head coach Vincenzo Montella spoke after the 1-0 victory against Romania. The press conference was dominated by the Romanian media's persistent question to Montella: "Will you resign if you lose in the playoff final?" Montella's response to the Romanian journalists came quickly.
The head coach of the Turkish National Football Team, Vincenzo Montella, made statements after the 1-0 victory against Romania.
"WE TALKED AT HALFTIME"
Evaluating the match, Montella said, "I am very pleased with the performance. It wasn't going to be easy. The opponent sat back throughout the first half. We talked with our players at halftime; we needed to be more dynamic and make runs behind the defense. I congratulate Arda and Ferdi; we scored a beautiful goal. Our players were patient, they didn't open up the distances. In the end, we achieved the victory we wanted. Now my thoughts are on the other opponent; I am eagerly waiting."
"WE ARE PROUD"
Continuing his remarks, Montella stated, "Kerem's effective pressure, timing, and incredible performance were remarkable. You can score a goal in the 70th minute of the match. Deniz Gül is a brilliant young player; he scored in the last match. We are proud of this. We continue to work hard. We know Deniz Gül's physical strength. He needs to learn to use his arms; he needs to develop. There is no such thing as a tall player only scoring with headers. Despite my height, I scored many goals with my head. Timing is very important."
'THERE WAS COLDNESS AT FIRST BUT...'
Addressing Turkish football fans, the Italian coach said, "I want to say something to our supporters. I am a foreigner; there was coldness at first, but now there is a great love. My players achieved this with their hearts. I thank the fans very much for their support."
"I FEEL LIKE A TURK"
The experienced coach, who stated that he feels like a Turk, said, "I am now like a Turk; I feel this way. I also know the mentality of our players. I have always said that we need to be patient. I said we need to stay calm. I am really proud of such a performance. I didn't think this match would have many goals. I also knew the opponent's strategy."
'I STRUGGLED A LOT IN SQUAD SELECTION'
Speaking about Beşiktaş player Orkun Kökçü remaining on the bench, Montella said, "Orkun knows how much I love him. Our respect and love for each other are very beautiful. I knew he was in good form. I struggled a lot in this squad selection. If I need to think pragmatically, I am working for the team, not for my comfort zone. We needed a player with characteristics like İsmail for this match. We had a hard time making this choice. I know the statistics; I know he is in form. I think about the good of the team. I try to implement what could be the best."
PROVOCATION FROM THE ROMANIANS
Speaking about the question persistently asked in the Romanian press, "Will you resign if you lose in the playoff final?", Montella said, "When you make a mistake while writing a news article, do you resign immediately? I will not fall for this provocation. I don't think a beautiful two-year partnership will end with one match, but our goal is to win the next match. There is no need to say more."