HAMBURG: Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella urged his side’s huge following to show their support in a crunch Euro 2024 showdown against the Czech Republic, rather than getting on his players’ backs.
After beating Georgia 3-1 to get their tournament off to a flier, Turkiye were swatted aside 3-0 by the class of Portugal.
Montella’s men are one of the best supported sides in Germany, where nearly three million people with Turkish roots call home.
However, there has been a backlash to the Italian boss and his squad after failing to compete with Portugal for large spells in Dortmund.
“I’d like to remind the critics, if you love this country, support your country as much as you can,” Montella told reporters at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
“This is the only team that represents Turkiye. These lads have put a smile on our face in recent teams.
“We need your support and the players deserve it based on what they have achieved on the pitch.”
Turkish football features some of the fiercest rivalries between clubs in the world.
But Fenerbahce winger Irfan Can Kahveci urged fans to put those tribal differences aside to unite in support of the national team.
“Within the team we have a great atmosphere and we try to demonstrate that whether the players are from Galatasaray, Besiktas, Trabzonspor or Fenerbahce.
“We are united under the national flag. We should let those divisions go.”
Turkiye remain second in Group F and just need a draw against the Czechs in Hamburg to secure a place in the last 16.
Even a narrow defeat could see Turkiye through as one of the four best third-placed sides.
But Montella said he would set out for victory.
“We have to go out and win the game,” he added. “We can’t get hung up on permutations.”
Real Madrid’s Arda Guler is set to return to the Turkish starting line-up after Montella revealed he was only left on the bench against Portugal due to an injury that meant he could not play the full 90 minutes.
“If he doesn’t play it will be footballing reasons,” said Montella. “He didn’t start the last game not because of footballing reasons.”
Show your love for Turkiye by supporting us, Montella tells critics
https://arab.news/8ab4x
Show your love for Turkiye by supporting us, Montella tells critics
- Montella’s men are one of the best supported sides in Germany, where nearly three million people with Turkish roots call home
- “I’d like to remind the critics, if you love this country, support your country as much as you can,” Montella told reporters
Villa seal place in Europa League last 16 as Celtic draw in Italy
- Jadon Sancho’s header midway through the first half in Istanbul earned Villa a sixth victory
- Villa are second in the standings on 18 points and only trail Lyon on goal difference
PARIS: Aston Villa secured their place in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday with a 1-0 win at Fenerbahce, while Celtic blew a two-goal lead against Bologna to jeopardize their qualification hopes.
Jadon Sancho’s header midway through the first half in Istanbul earned Villa a sixth victory in seven European games, clinching a spot in the top eight and allowing Unai Emery’s team to bypass the knockout phase play-offs.
Matty Cash struck the post in the second half and Villa held on as goalkeeper Marco Bizot produced a string of key saves with Fenerbahce pushing for an equalizer.
Villa are second in the standings on 18 points and only trail Lyon on goal difference. Lyon won 1-0 at Swiss side Young Boys to ensure their spot in the last 16.
Celtic had to settle for a 2-2 draw away to Bologna, leaving them in danger of failing to advance from the league phase.
Martin O’Neill’s side led through Reo Hatate’s early strike, but the Japan international was sent off for a second booking on 34 minutes.
Defender Auston Trusty doubled Celtic’s advantage before half-time, but Bologna fought their way back with goals from Thijs Dallings and Jonathan Rowe.
Celtic are 23rd in the 36-team table but could be overtaken by a handful of sides playing later on Thursday. The Scottish champions host Utrecht in their final game next week.
Nottingham Forest are bidding for a fourth win in five in Europe as Sean Dyche’s men take on Braga in Portugal.
