The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, continues.
Tomorrow morning, we will witness an exciting match in Group D.
Specifically, the Turkey - Paraguay match will kick off at 07:00 Baku time.
Modern.az reports that the head coach of the Turkish national team, Italian expert Vincenzo Montella, made important statements before the Paraguay game and responded to criticisms directed at him after the Australia match.
Montella described Paraguay as a tough opponent:
“Paraguay is really good at scoring goals and has players with character. Their forwards and goal scorers are very strong. We have great respect for them.
Of course, we have always made certain changes and can do so again. The issue here is not to keep players out of the squad for tactical reasons or other things. There may be some changes tomorrow, but these changes will only be tactical and will be in line with the game's strategy. If any player does not play, it will not be because of what he did in the first match, but only because of the game's strategy.”
Criticism disappointed him
Montella stated that some statements negatively affect the national team players:
“In the second half of the game against Australia, we brought Ismaili onto the field because we knew Australia was dangerous on counter-attacks. They played with surgical precision. We created about 30 scoring opportunities against Australia. For example, Portugal only achieved this once in their game against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
When the opposing team defends with 10 men in the last 25-30 meters, it becomes very difficult to break through this barrier. In such cases, it is necessary to shoot from long distances, and we tried to do that. Perhaps we didn't do it well enough. But every game is different. Preparation and game plan also change.
We analyzed this match. In some aspects, we could have played better. Especially in ball control, we could have been more dominant and reduced threats. However, sometimes it is necessary to accept changes in ball control during the game.”
Montella said that the criticisms disappointed him:
“Because my team has achieved very good results in the last three years, and I think we deserve a little more respect. Even if we accept that we could play better.
I feel Turkish. I even feel more Turkish than some people who create and fuel this confusion. These events were closely followed both in Turkey and abroad. I'm not just talking about the words spoken at press conferences; some individuals create artificial confusion.
This doesn't affect me much because I'm older now. But it affects the players. They are young people in their 20s, and such situations can hurt and upset them. I trust these magnificent players. We must do our best to continue our journey in the World Cup.”
Defended the players
The Italian head coach stated that he tried to positively influence the players' morale in recent days:
“I think I have positively influenced the players' morale in the last few days. I always tell them to be clear-minded and relaxed. Of course, it's not easy to do this after a defeat.
It's not easy to regroup and bounce back after losing. After such serious criticisms, especially when there are justified criticisms among them, it is completely normal for players to be affected.
At the same time, it is also necessary to praise them, this is part of my job. But looking at public opinion, I see that people are definitely looking for some flaw or mistake. I am aware of this. After all, I am the head coach of the national team.”
Montella said that the national team has a responsibility to the fans and the Turkish people, and the players are aware of this.
“Actually, I like the players' behavior more after a defeat. Personally, I think that love and support should be given to the players when they need it most. Not just when they win.”
“They are not machines or robots”
Vincenzo Montella stated that although the national team players were affected by the harsh reactions, they are very eager to get back on the field:
“I see that the players are very eager to get back on the field. Because they were hurt. After all, they are not machines or robots. Some extreme reactions affected them. But I trust both myself and my players. I want them to play as relaxed as possible and achieve the best result after the first whistle.”
The 52-year-old Italian expert also emphasized that the Paraguay team is physically very strong:
“Paraguay is a physically very strong team. Their emotions and character always come to the fore. Every game is different, so we need to pay attention to the opponent. But I prefer to focus more on my own team. I want my players to be in the best possible condition and to be able to show their performance better.”
“I hope to receive this victory as a gift”
Vincenzo Montella, whose birthday was yesterday, stated that a victory over Paraguay would be the best gift for him:
“I have always celebrated my birthday at home, in my own country. Now, for the second time, I will celebrate my birthday with my team and players. The European Championship and the World Cup are also part of this. I hope that in two years I will also be able to celebrate my birthday with my football family.
I have very fond memories of turning 50. The victories achieved by the players in the European Championship were the best birthday gift for me. I hope to receive this victory as a gift after tomorrow's game.”
“We are motivated and ready. I am ready, and the players are ready for the game. After all, we have made you proud before. We are here to do it again,” the head coach emphasized.
Montella's main message is that it is not right to forget the successes achieved by the national team in recent years and the efforts of the players because of one defeat; the team needs more support now.
Players' families brought to them
The head coach stated that the players' families were also brought to the USA and arrangements were made for them to spend time together:
“It is impossible to keep people of this generation away from social media. I am aware of this. Therefore, I focused more on the upcoming tasks. I wanted the players to focus on what they had to do. I spent my time analyzing matches and preparing training plans. Frankly, I don't have much free time.
The players, however, have a little more free time. That's why we brought their families here. We ensured that the players spent a few hours with their families. About 2-3 hours passed very pleasantly. During that time, we didn't even think about what we would do on the field tomorrow. I think this was good.”
“It is important for the third group games to be played simultaneously”
Answering a question about the important group stage games starting simultaneously, Montella said:
“I don't think this changes much. Both we and Paraguay lost in the previous game. Therefore, both teams will want to win this match.
But I agree on one point: it is important for the third round games of the group to be played simultaneously. It doesn't matter much in the second round, but it is important in the third round.
Also, I don't think teams will settle for a draw. Because it is impossible to know in advance what will happen in the third game.”
“There are those who want to be in my place”
Vincenzo Montella stated that leading the national team in the European Championship and the World Cup is a great source of pride for him:
“I feel very happy, lucky, and privileged. I think there are also people who want to be in my place. This gives me great excitement.
There were also great expectations and a very beautiful atmosphere in the European Championship. But the World Cup is bigger because it covers the whole world. Therefore, the feelings are even stronger.
These are unforgettable experiences. Living these moments is an unforgettable feeling for a person. I am proud to have been able to lead the national team to both the European Championship and the World Cup. Such tournaments are always a great source of excitement for me.”
“We will do our best to make everyone in Turkey happy”
The 52-year-old expert emphasized that the team's goal is to make the people happy:
“We continue our struggle. We strive to fulfill people's dreams and make them proud.
Therefore, we will do everything we can in the game. We will mobilize all our energy and capabilities to make everyone in the country happy, ensure they are proud of the team, and continue our successes.
Feeling the support of the fans is very important to achieve this goal.”
“I didn't expect such harsh criticisms”
Montella said that the reactions after the Australia defeat surprised him:
“I try to prepare all my players thoroughly. I especially pay attention to their psychological readiness. Because everything here is experienced on a very large scale.
Therefore, I try to ensure that the players feel psychologically strong.
There can be harsh criticisms. But I didn't expect such harsh reactions after the previous game. I thought there would be some criticisms, but I didn't expect this much.”
A.Gorkhmaz
