(Montella) What is the story behind this trend in Social Media today?
26-09-2026
Vincenzo Montella, the Italian coach of the Turkish national football team, sits at the center of today’s social media conversation in Turkey. He took charge in 2023 after a difficult period for the side and quickly delivered two major achievements: qualification for Euro 2024, where Turkey reached the quarter-finals, and a return to the World Cup after a 24-year absence.Those successes created a strong bond with many supporters. Montella embraced the local culture, spoke of feeling at home, and built a young, attacking-minded group that scored freely in qualifying. The federation later extended his contract through 2028 and publicly backed him even after the World Cup.The World Cup itself, however, produced a sharp backlash. Turkey lost its first two group games without scoring despite creating numerous chances, then beat the co-hosts in a dead rubber. Fans and pundits criticized the lack of a traditional centre-forward, individual performances from key players, and the early exit. Montella refused to resign, saying the federation had judged his entire body of work rather than two matches and that he still had energy and a longer-term project.That debate has never fully died. In recent days Montella gave interviews stressing that he turned down other job offers because he believes the job in Turkey is unfinished. He also spoke about the upcoming Nations League campaign against strong sides including France and Italy.Tonight’s 1-0 defeat to France in the Nations League has brought the arguments back to the surface. Supporters point to a committed, physically demanding performance and several unused chances, while critics return to familiar themes: the absence of a natural striker, tactical choices, and whether the coach has reached his ceiling. The conversation mixes gratitude for the qualifications with frustration over results against top opposition, keeping Montella’s name prominent across Turkish social media.