10.06.2024 00:50
The national football team's head coach Vincenzo Montella made statements at the press conference before the last preparation match against Poland, which will be played away, ahead of EURO 2024. Speaking about the young star Arda Güler, Montella said, "Lately, he has mostly played on the right wing. According to our game system, we don't want our wingers to come back too much and run too much. I think he can play comfortably in that position."
The National Team Coach Vincenzo Montella made statements at the press conference before the friendly match against Poland. Responding to criticism about his squad selection, the Italian coach also provided information about Arda Güler's role.
"SOME WILL NOT BE SATISFIED"
Montella, who said they will not play with the first team, stated, "Poland and Georgia play similarly, but they are not exactly the same. They seem to play with five, but we don't always see them playing with five. All the players here are capable of playing. We had to send some players away. There is no football left that you can play with only 11 players. You have 5 substitutions, so you have to plan based on 16 players. Some of our players need rest 8 days before. There is no need to tire anyone. There will be a mixture in the squad tomorrow. Some will not be satisfied, but we have no other option."
ARDA'S POSITION
Talking about the position Arda Güler will play, Montella said, "Arda Güler is a player who can play both positions. Lately, he has mostly played on the right wing. According to our game system, we don't want our wingers to come back too much and we don't make them run too much. I think he can play comfortably in that position. All matches are difficult, you need to know your players well. We want to be well-prepared and be on the field in our best form."
INJURY STATEMENT
Talking about the injured players in the team, Montella said, "We don't have any serious injuries. Especially for Zeki and Ferdi, I think it is best not to risk our players within the framework of logic."
"WE WILL REPRESENT OUR COUNTRY!"
Saying that they have prepared well for the tournament, the Italian coach said, "I usually look at the present and the future, not the past. We prepared with full concentration. As we spent time together, we became a family and we will reflect this feeling on the field. We have the responsibility and consciousness to represent our country. We prepared for the championship with this mentality."
REACTION OF DEPARTED PLAYERS
Talking about the players who were removed from the national team squad, Montella said, "I had a hard time choosing the departing players. Coaches have to make some decisions. We don't make those decisions based on statistics, otherwise the coach has no business here. When adding a player for the future, you have to consider some balances. We have to make a mixture of the right qualities. When we add young players to the squad, does the balance get disrupted, that's important. I saw some of our players' social media posts and I liked them. They expressed their loyalty to the flag. Vincenzo Montella: In England, players like Grealish, Sterling, Rashford were not included in the squad. If only statistics were considered, these players would have been included. The same situation exists in Italy as well."