Sergen Yalçın takes over Türkiye after Montella dismissal
Türkiye have dismissed head coach Vincenzo Montella after four straight Nations League defeats, with Sergen Yalçın appointed to take charge of the national side.
The Turkish Football Federation made the change following a Tuesday board meeting, acting after a difficult opening to the campaign left the Crescent-Stars without a result. Türkiye lost to France, Belgium and Italy, who beat them twice during the run.
Quick facts
- Vincenzo Montella was removed after four consecutive Nations League losses.
- Sergen Yalçın, 53, was confirmed as Türkiye head coach on Tuesday.
- Yalçın’s first match is at home to Belgium on November 12.
- Türkiye then travel to face France three days later.
- The former midfielder won 37 caps for the national team.
Yalçın returns to management after ending his most recent spell at Beşiktaş by mutual agreement in May, having spent one season in that post. The federation have turned to a coach with extensive knowledge of the domestic game and a long association with the national team.
His strongest coaching achievement came during his second stint in charge of Beşiktaş, when he guided the Istanbul club to the Süper Lig and Turkish Cup double in 2021.
As a player, Yalçın was an attacking midfielder noted for his technical ability and creativity. He represented Türkiye 37 times and enjoyed major club success across spells with Beşiktaş and Galatasaray.
He spent a combined 10 years with Beşiktaş, winning three league titles and two Turkish Cups. His honours also include two Süper Lig championships from his time at Galatasaray.
There will be little time for Yalçın to settle into the role. Belgium visit Türkiye on November 12 in a fixture carrying significant importance after the team’s losing sequence, before France host the new coach’s side on November 15.
The immediate task is to halt the run of defeats and restore confidence ahead of two demanding meetings with elite European opposition.
