The report says Montella defended a young group that has suffered defeats against Australia and Paraguay, leaving Turkey unable to progress before their final group match. He argued that the performances deserved more than the results delivered.
“Because I still have energy. I still have enthusiasm. I also feel stronger after this experience,” Montella said.
That message is more than a statement of personal resolve. It is also a defence of the project Montella has been building since taking charge. Turkey’s run to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals raised expectations, while qualification for this World Cup ended a long wait for the nation.
Montella’s argument is that Turkey controlled large portions of both matches but failed to turn their opportunities into goals. That familiar gap between performance and outcome has quickly become a source of frustration.
Young winger Kenan Yildiz reportedly accepted that the squad must take responsibility, even while insisting Turkey had competed well. “Statistics do not win the games,” Yildiz said.
That line will resonate with supporters who have seen promising football without the decisive moments required at international level. For a developing team, the challenge is converting encouraging spells into results before confidence begins to erode.
Turkey’s meeting with the United States at SoFi Stadium now offers Montella a chance to restore some pride and assess which players can carry the team forward. The report also says he retains the backing of the federation president and his players.
The immediate result may not alter Turkey’s tournament fate, but it could shape the mood around Montella. His next storyline is clear: turn conviction into progress before the next international campaign begins.