Vincenzo Montella’s position as Turkey manager is under serious threat after Monday’s 3-1 defeat by Italy in Bologna prompted a wave of criticism from the country’s media.
The loss was Turkey’s fourth in four Nations League matches, according to Tuttomercatoweb. They had already been beaten 4-1 by Italy in Bursa eight days earlier, while defeats by France and Belgium have left them bottom of Group A1 without a point.
Turkey now face relegation to League B, with the team’s poor run increasing pressure on both Montella and the Turkish Football Federation.
Fanatik called for the Italian to leave in a strongly worded editorial, telling him: “I think it’s better for you to leave… Take a severance package and stay in Italy.”
Hurriyet also criticised Montella, declaring that “his mission ended long ago”. The newspaper questioned the federation’s decision to retain him and highlighted the financial cost of dismissing him.
The anger has also been evident inside the stadium. Supporters chanted “Istifa” – meaning “Resign” – at the end of Turkey’s most recent home match, while federation president Ibrahim Hacıosmanoglu has also come under pressure.
Montella has rejected much of the criticism, describing it as “illogical”. He pointed to his two years in charge, including Turkey’s promotion to the top tier of the Nations League.
The current situation represents a dramatic change in the Italian’s standing after a period in which he led Turkey to significant achievements. Under Montella, the team ended a 24-year wait for a World Cup and he became the first foreign manager to take the country to both a European Championship and a World Cup.
However, he has had to manage without Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz during this month’s matches. Arda Guler has also not been fully fit throughout the period.
Those absences have added to Turkey’s difficulties, but the results have left Montella facing growing calls for his departure. The federation must now decide whether to continue with the coach who delivered promotion to the Nations League’s top tier or end his tenure after a run that has left the side facing relegation.