Vincenzo Montella Criticizes 'Specific Attacks' on Players After USA Match

Following the Turkish national football team's 3-2 victory over the USA in their final 2026 World Cup qualifier, head coach Vincenzo Montella voiced his strong disapproval of what he described as unfair criticism directed at his players.

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I don't think my players ever deserved such specific attacks. That's why I was happy they got this win.

"I don't think my players ever deserved such specific attacks," Montella stated after the match. "That's why I was happy they got this win." He characterized the victory as immensely significant, comparing it to "1000 victories," especially after a series of close matches where luck seemed to elude them.

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Today's victory was equivalent to 1000 victories. In the first match, the ball could have gone inside the post but preferred to go out. Similar things happened in the second match. This is the game in real-time... Different things could have happened, but this is the situation.

Montella addressed criticisms regarding the team's training camp conditions, admitting they were not ideal. "We were not in ideal conditions, but we had to adapt on the fly," he explained. He noted that securing qualification so late meant organizing facilities was challenging. "No one could change the camp site due to the short notice. Criticisms were made, and different pressures were created for the team," he added, suggesting these external factors impacted the team's performance and morale.

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We were not in ideal conditions, but we had to adapt on the fly. It wasn't possible to make these organizations in a short time. Criticisms were made, and different pressures were created for the team.

Reflecting on the tournament, Montella highlighted the team's strong reaction to significant pressure and difficulties. While not a psychologist himself, he endeavored to support his players mentally. "The team showed its character, its skills, and how strong it is," he asserted, expressing confidence that Turkey would not have to wait another 24 years to participate in the World Cup again.

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Our team was under great pressure and difficulties. Despite these, they reacted well. I am not a psychologist and do not have training in this, but I tried to act like a psychologist as much as possible. The team showed its character, its skills, and how strong it is. We will not wait another 24 years to participate in the World Cup again.