There Türkiye is undoubtedly one of the surprises of Euro 2024, having reached the quarter-finals. The coach Vincenza Montellainterviewed by The Sports Gazettereturned to the match in Leipzig against Austria and in general to his boys’ entire German campaign.
Vincenzo, what did you think when Gunok made a legendary save to prevent Austria from equalising in the last play?
“Eh…I don’t remember. If I think back now, I’m happy for Gunok who made a prodigious save, but above all for the team, for the fans and for all of Turkey.”
What makes you most proud?
“The spirit I see on the pitch. In Leipzig our soul was decisive. These games are like this: you win them if there is a different belief, a special participation from everyone. The spirit went beyond technique and tactics. We take great care in preparing for the matches, but against Austria I saw the Turkish heart, which is what made me fall in love with this country. We have so many fans in the stadiums and we are happy to have given joy to the Turks who are in Germany, at home and all over the world”.
Before the European Championship you were criticized for a defeat against Austria in a friendly (1-6). Did you feel skepticism towards you?
“We had chosen to approach the European Championship by playing against other national teams qualified for the tournament in Germany. Those tests didn’t go well (also losing to Hungary and Poland, a draw with Italy, ed.), but they made us grow. The 6-1 against Austria remained on me like a stain, which I strongly wanted to erase even though on the eve of the match I had denied thinking about that match again. Now I’m enjoying the moment. It wasn’t a rematch with Austria and with Rangnick, who I respect and admire so much. But a rematch with myself: I needed it, as a coach I had never lost with that gap. I was waiting for Austria, then. And I erased the stain”.
After sixteen years, Turkey is in the quarterfinals of the European Championship. At this point, where can you go?
“We have always prepared each race without thinking about the next one. So now our thoughts are only on Holland. Dreams can be cherished if
we set ourselves one goal at a time.”