In Istanbul, a difficult Nations League autumn has brought Vincenzo Montella’s three-year spell with Turkey to an end. The Turkish Football Federation confirmed on Friday that the Italian has been dismissed after four defeats from four group matches, leaving the national side without a point from a possible 12.
A promising era ends after a sharp decline
No explanation for the decision or successor was included in the federation’s announcement, but Turkey’s recent results had placed Montella under intense pressure. The team exited the World Cup at the group stage and then made a winless start to the Nations League campaign.
Montella’s overall record reflects both the heights and the difficult finish of his tenure:
- 40 matches in charge of Turkey
- 21 victories
- 5 draws
- 14 defeats
- Four consecutive Nations League losses in the current group stage
- Zero points collected from 12 available
His early work had given Turkey renewed momentum on the international stage. Under Montella, the side reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 and returned to the World Cup after an absence of 24 years.
Arda Turan emerges as a possible candidate
Attention now turns to who will lead Turkey into its next international cycle. Arda Turan, the current Shakhtar Donetsk coach, is among the names under consideration.
The former Galatasaray, Atlético Madrid and Barcelona midfielder has built a strong start to his coaching career in Ukraine. Last season, he guided Shakhtar to the league title and a Conference League semi-final.
Turkey’s federation is also considering whether Turan could remain in charge of Shakhtar while combining that role with the national-team post. No appointment has yet been confirmed.
