After Stefan Kuntz’s alleged exit from the Turkish national team, the Turkish Football Association (TFF) wants to make a statement in the “coming days”.
This was said by a spokesman for the dpa association. This is unlikely to happen on Monday. Among other things, the government-affiliated news agency DHA reported on Sunday that the contract with the long-time German U21 national coach, which runs until after EURO 2024, will be terminated. Kuntz has not yet commented on this.
Recently, Kuntz was repeatedly mentioned as a possible successor to Hansi Flick. The ex-striker and 1996 European champion had already been named as the successor candidate for long-term national coach Joachim Löw.
Lost against Japan, drawn against Armenia
After the Turkish national team’s recent defeat against Japan and the 1-1 draw in the European Championship qualification against outsiders Armenia, the criticism of Kuntz had become significantly louder.
The former professional signed a three-year contract as Turkish national coach in September 2021. Kuntz’s overall sporting record in Turkey reads positively after Turkey missed qualifying for the World Cup for the tournament in Qatar in 2021 under his predecessor Senol Günes. The coach celebrated twelve wins in 20 games. The national team is in second place in European Championship qualifying group D with ten points after five games. This would entitle you to take part in the European Championships.
German U21 under Kuntz twice European champions – chances of becoming a national coach?
Kuntz started his first job as coach of a senior national team with good recommendations. The German U21s became European champions twice under him, also thanks to his ability to form a real team out of many talents. In the sometimes emotionally charged environment of the Turkish national team, Kuntz may not have succeeded quite so well.