Turkish TV calls for Montella's dismissal, he remains calm

On Monday, a loud call echoed in the outbox of Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Turkish television: ‘Montella, istifa!’ and ‘Montella, step down!’. The Italian national team coach of Turkey, who fell at home for the fourth consecutive time, however responded calmly and said he did not want to think negatively ahead of the visit to Italy.

TV criticism and growing pressure

The call was followed by increasing pressure on the coach. After the defeat in Bologna, the first of four consecutive losses at home, Montella felt the criticism rise. The Turkish media emphasized that he must pay the price on television.

Nevertheless, Montella praised his squad. He claimed that they won more duels than the Italians and that, despite absences, they showed their best side. He pointed to the opponent who introduced three substitutes with a combined market value of 400 million euros, including Riccardo Calafiori and Sandro Tonali.

Roberto Mancini, the Italian national team coach, indicated that Montella had done a good job with the Turkish side. However, his praise was not shared unanimously.

Criticism from Ümit Karan

On SporOn, former Galatasaray player and ex‑international Ümit Karan unleashed criticism. He repeated the remark ‘Italy played as if it were a friendly match’ and called it the worst Italy ever.

Karan openly wondered what Montella had against strikers and why attackers were only introduced in the ninetieth minute. He concluded that Montella should throw in the towel, but pointed out that a foreign coach does not simply resign.

According to Karan, no one leaves his position without a severance payment, which, according to rumors, is around five million euros. He finished with the comment that Montella, like the Turkish fans, watches the match, but does pay for it.