Montella threatened with dismissal after defeat to the Red Devils

On Friday, Turkey lost to Belgium, the Red Devils, which could bring an end to Vincenzo Montella's tenure. After three defeats, the Turkish coach is facing the public's anger, which is demanding Sclessin's departure.

This defeat adds to a run of three losses that have already tarnished Montella's reputation. The Turkish public, dissatisfied since the failure at the 2026 World Cup, has demanded Sclessin the coach's departure. Some Belgian viewers even doubted that the Red Devils were actually playing at home.

The Turkish diaspora gathered in Liège, also coming from Germany, and booed the Belgian players before kickoff. Throughout the match, whistles rang out, first against Belgium, then against the Turks. This hostile atmosphere increased the pressure on the Turkish bench.

Pressure from the Turkish public

Vincenzo Montella, fifty‑two years old, felt the anger focus on him from the first minutes. The supporters repeatedly shouted for his resignation, putting him “on hot coals” even before the end of the game. The coach had no choice but to endure these invectives.

The Turkish federation had already been planning to part ways with him after the 2026 World Cup, where Turkey failed to progress beyond the group stage despite a supposedly favorable draw. Montella had nevertheless earned a reprieve, rewarded for having led the country back to the world tournament after nearly a quarter‑century of absence.

Montella's reaction

After the match, Montella tried to put the result into perspective, stating that the gap between the two teams was not as large as the score suggested. “Their expectations are high, that’s normal. They have the right to express their dissatisfaction,” he acknowledged.

He added that he was not worried, that he understood how football works and that he was motivated to help his players express themselves at their best in the upcoming matches. If Turkey wants to bounce back, he will have to face his native Italy on Monday, on Belgian soil.