20.11.2025 17:42
The head coach of the Turkish National Team, Vincenzo Montella, made statements following the determination of our opponents in the playoff round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. He stated that Turkey will face Romania in the playoff semi-finals and, if victorious, will play the final away against the winner of the Slovakia – Kosovo match. Montella said, "My only preference is for Turkey to be in the final." He also expressed praise for Romania's head coach, Mircea Lucescu.
National Team Head Coach Vincenzo Montella made evaluations after our opponents were determined in the play-off round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Turkey will face Romania at home in the play-off semi-final, and if they win, they will play the final away against the winner of Slovakia – Kosovo.
"THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO REACH THE FINAL"
Montella, evaluating the possibility of facing Slovakia, said, "We played very well in the group stages and achieved good results. Now our entire focus is on the play-off. The final match will be away, but that's the way the rules are. Our focus will be entirely on the first match. Slovakia has an Italian coach, whom I know well. He is a good coach and builds compact, confident teams. I don't know which opponent I would prefer; my only preference is for Turkey to be in the final," he stated.
ROMANIA MATCH AND LUCIAN'S COMMENT
Montella dedicated a special paragraph to Mircea Lucescu regarding the semi-final match against Romania, saying, "Lucescu has an Italian mentality and has worked in Turkey for many years. He is a very smart person, and I have great respect for him. Sometimes playing away can be an advantage, but if you ask me, I would prefer to play both matches in Turkey," he remarked.
"EVERYTHING CAN CHANGE BY MARCH"
When asked whether he would make changes to the squad by March, Montella avoided giving a definitive answer, stating, "There is a lot of time until March. We will evaluate each of our players in the best way and make a decision. For now, our only goal is to prepare in the best way for the first match." As the excitement for the play-off grows in the National Team, Montella's determined message has motivated the community.