Fatih Terim made a statement to La Gazzetta dello Sport before the Türkiye-Italy match.
Fatih Terim's statements are as follows:
"What will the Türkiye-Italy match be like?"
"It is a very important match because both Italy and Turkey need a win. We know how difficult a period your national team is going through, but this is also a good opportunity for Turkey to start over after the World Cup."
"Your job will not be easy without Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Kenan Yıldız."
"Their absence will be felt because they are both quality players. However, Turkey's squad also has an extraordinary talent like Arda Güler and Can Uzun, a very promising player. Such matches are opportunities to take responsibility."
"What do you expect from Turkey?"
"The most important thing will be the character we show. When playing against Italy it is necessary to be brave and smart: you are facing an opponent who has the experience to take advantage of even the slightest mistake."
"What kind of Türkiye will we see after being eliminated in the first round of the World Cup?"
"I have always believed in our potential because this country has a football culture and a talent pool that can produce players at the highest level. But getting results requires consistency, discipline and the right mentality. Big tournaments like the World Cup reveal strengths and weaknesses, but also show areas that need improvement. The important thing is to learn lessons."
"DON'T JUST LOOK AT THE RESULTS"
"Although the opponent was strong, the team continued to exist in the match. In some matches, it is necessary to look not only at the result, but also at the performance, fighting spirit, ability to create goal opportunities and the reaction shown in difficult moments. It is important for Türkiye to create a football identity right now. Patience and perseverance are required."
"What do you think of Montella's work?"
"I know him very well and have followed his career both as a player and as a coach. He is a coach who understands football, reads the game well and has his own ideas. The decision to continue with Vincenzo after the World Cup is a result of the FA's trust in him and the work he has done. I have always advocated stability, because it takes time for a team to find a certain style of play. Considering that we were in the Nations C League a few years ago, both he and the team deserve praise."
"Did you expect Italy not to take part in three World Cups in a row?"
"Obviously not, because Italy has won many victories and left its mark in the history of football. Not taking part in even a single tournament was a great disappointment; not taking part three times in a row requires very serious evaluation. In recent years, Italy won the Euro 21, Atalanta won the Europa League and Rome won the Conference League. In addition, Fiorentina took part in the Conference League final, Napoli created a real school of football philosophy and Inter reached the Champions League final twice. Therefore, the potential of your football movement is still very much However, many factors need to be taken into consideration: the development of infrastructures, the opportunities offered to young people, the transfer policies of the clubs...
Italy has always been a tactical foundation school, but football is constantly evolving and today it is not possible to survive on tactics, defensive organization or past achievements alone. There is a need for development in every aspect. You need time and a proper plan for reconstruction. Because the point is not just to participate in the World Cup, but to regain the identity and competitiveness of Italian football."
"Is Mancini the right man for the restart?"
"He is a very important coach and we must not forget that he led Italy to European Championship glory. The football displayed by that Italy team, the confidence of the players and the unbeaten run they achieved were truly remarkable. Of course, his return is not enough to solve all the problems. He has a huge responsibility ahead of him, but he also has the necessary experience to succeed."
"Which Italian National Team players do you like the most?"
"Donnarumma is a champion and an icon. I also like Calafiori, a left-back you can rely on in the playmaking phase, two midfielders like Barella and Tonali, Dimarco, one of the best in the left wing position, and the young talent Pio Esposito."
