Montella, who had contacts in Madrid to meet with national football players playing in Spain, Arda Güler (Real Madrid), Çağlar Söyüncü (Atletico Madrid) and Enes Ünal (Getafe), made striking statements.
Stating that Arda, Çağlar and Enes are valuable football players for the national team, but they did not go through an easy time due to their injury problems, Montella said, “Some of them (Enes Ünal and Arda Güler) had quite long-term injuries. My aim is to make these players, whom I have known as football players, better. “It was getting to know them closely. I got very positive impressions. Now I will evaluate whether to call them to the squad for our next camps.” said.
For Arda Güler, “An incredible talent.” Montella also emphasized that Kenan Yıldız is very young and talented and that he follows other young football players.
A National Team Coach said, “To look at the result, it is necessary to mix some things and handle them together. Young people, those who are a little more experienced and those who have more experience. We are looking at all our young talents. I think there will be space for other young people after the European Championship.” He made a statement.
“FIRST PLACE PROVIDES PRESTIGE AND ADVANTAGE”
Noting that the away win against Croatia, one of the key matches in the qualifying group, was not a surprise, Montella said, “We believed in it. We worked very hard that week. The children were very eager during the preparation period and they believed in achieving something that was not considered possible before. We won deservedly and this was done with the work that should be done in football.” “We know that it comes with belief and quality.” made his assessment.
Montella noted that by guaranteeing participation in the European Championship, “they have reached a milestone that the Football Federation and the Turkish people attach great importance to” and continued his words as follows:
“We managed to guarantee going to Germany. We are very happy. Now we have a friendly match (against Germany) that we care about. But then we have an even bigger match (Wales) that will decide the group first place. At this point, we can come out first in the group and even if it is small “We would be happy to gain an advantage. Being first in the group would have a small advantage in the draws. A small advantage would also be good in addition to the prestige of coming first.”
“OUR FEET MUST BE ON THE GROUND”
“After securing a place in the European Championship, every Turk inevitably has the thought of ‘Can we win the cup?’ What do you think?” When asked, Montella said, “We need to move forward step by step. We have achieved an important goal. Now we have time to prepare. If many players are ready at the end of the season, the choices we will make and our evaluation will be much greater. Then we can start thinking big with our feet on the ground.” he replied.
“WE ARE A STRONG FAMILY”
“We are a healthy team. We are a strong family with the Federation behind us.” The Italian coach said, “We are a family of people who truly give us the feeling of belonging to this family, who are there for us every day when we need them, and who want to carry the Turkish flag to the future with faith.” He made a statement.
Montella shared his feelings about being the head of the Turkish National Team as follows:
“We know that there are very strong nationalist feelings in Turkey. That’s why it has been a great responsibility to be the National Team Coach since the first day. I feel the responsibility of representing a nation through football. My thoughts are completely focused on this. We, as the technical team, together with the players, are talking about Turkey.” “We represent the world. This is something that will never be forgotten.”
“IF YOU DON’T HAVE A DREAM, THERE WILL BE NOTHING YOU CAN REACH”
Arguing that he is a person who believes in hard work and that success will come depending on the level of demonstration on the field, Montella said, “Will the national team make us dream in the European Championship?” He gave the following answer to the question:
“First we will work, then we will show it on the field. And our play on the field will show the level at which we are suitable. Therefore, it is not necessary to set any limits. To achieve dreams, you must have a dream. So, if you do not have a dream, there is nothing you can achieve. The bigger we dream, the more “It takes a lot of work. I’m used to dreaming big, working hard and not having any regrets later because I didn’t give my all.”
“I AM FINDING MY OWN SPEED”
About being a national team coach for the first time, he said: “I had some doubts and concerns at the beginning. Because it is a different job.” The Italian coach said, “But I love this job. It is a dynamic job that requires constant updating. I try to watch all the matches. This is something I like. I find my own pace.” he said.
“I DO NOT BELIEVE IN SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEFS”
When reminded of the matches in which Giovanni Trapattoni, one of the legendary coaches of the Italians, poured “holy water” on the field because it brought luck, he smiled and said: “I do not believe in superstitions.” Montella replied, “I am someone who is very confident in working and believing. I believe that only in this way can there be hope for luck. Then supernatural forces can do something for you.” he said.
“FAVORITE FRANCE AND ENGLAND”
Montella stated that the favorites of the European Championship are France and England and made the following evaluation:
“France is a very strong team. It is a team that is used to winning. I can also say that there are other teams as strong as France, such as England, Belgium or Germany, which has the advantage of playing at home. If they manage to participate in the championship, Italy, or teams such as Croatia, which are used to big goals in their history. .”