TFF Parts Ways With Montella, Arda Turan Emerges as Top Candidate

Vincenzo Montella's time in charge of the Turkish national team has officially come to an end following dramatic events within the Turkish Football Federation (TFF). TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu rejected a call for an extraordinary congress and decided to remain in his post, a move that triggered significant turmoil within the federation. In the immediate aftermath, five board members resigned: Mecnun Otyakmaz, Mustafa Bozbağ, Zafer Bahadır Saraç, Bilal Arslan and Murat Şahin.

Amid this chaotic period, the TFF announced its decision to part ways with Italian head coach Vincenzo Montella. The federation's official statement made clear that it would not continue with Montella at the helm. This brings an end to the Italian's near three-year spell in charge, which began in September 2023.

A notable name has emerged as the leading candidate to replace him: Arda Turan. According to reports, the federation is focusing on the former star player, who currently serves as head coach of Shakhtar Donetsk. An intriguing detail of the plan under consideration is that Arda Turan may reportedly take charge of both Shakhtar and the Turkish national team simultaneously.

Montella's record with the national team has also come back into focus during this process. The Italian coach oversaw 40 matches, recording 21 wins, 14 defeats and 5 draws, for an average of 1.7 points per game. As the leadership crisis at the TFF and the coaching change send shockwaves through Turkish football, attention now turns to whether Arda Turan will indeed be appointed to the role.