Even after a humiliating early exit from the World Cup, the coach offered absurd excuses... Turkish fans erupt: "No point watching the third match, fire him now"

*This content was translated by AI.

Turkish football fans are truly furious. After an early exit from the World Cup, their first challenge in 24 years, the coach's post-match interview further inflamed the fans.

Local Turkish media Oneedio reported on the 21st (Korea time) that "following Turkey's defeat to Paraguay and elimination from the World Cup, a strong reaction ensued. Turkish fans and football officials criticized the team for failing to fully utilize the players' potential while watching the World Cup exit unfold before their eyes."

Earlier, on the 20th, Turkey lost 0-1 to Paraguay in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup held at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in San Francisco, California, USA.

It was a shocking result. Despite dominating Paraguay with 32 shots to 7, Turkey suffered a scoreless defeat. Notably, Paraguay's 'ace' Miguel Almiron received a red card in stoppage time of the first half while covering his mouth and saying something. However, Turkey failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage.

The atmosphere from the first match was similar. At that time, Turkey led Australia 30 to 9 in total shots. However, lacking clinical finishing, they lost 0-2. With two consecutive defeats, Turkey's elimination from the group stage was confirmed regardless of the outcome of the third match against the United States. Although they returned to the World Cup finals for the first time in 24 years since the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, they packed their bags early amid a miserable record of two matches, 62 shots, zero goals, and zero points.

Turkish football fans were inevitably overwhelmed with frustration and anger. On top of this, head coach Vincenzo Montella's interview with the Turkish national team appears to have poured fuel on the fans' fury. After the defeat to Paraguay, Coach Montella said, "Fate was not on our side. One cannot go against fate."

The media stated, "Criticism poured down on Coach Montella's performance and post-match remarks. Angry football fans chanted 'Montella must resign.' Scenes of wastefully missing decisive scoring opportunities frustrated fans, and criticism on social media grew uncontrollably. Turkish football players and Coach Montella found themselves at the center of criticism."

The media further explained, "Explosive anger is being directed at Coach Montella's interview immediately after the Paraguay match."

According to reports, Turkish football fans expressed reactions such as: "Coach Montella and the Football Association president must resign immediately. The players were serious, but these two must go. Coach Montella must be fired now," "Zero goals and zero points, yet claiming they did their best? Fire him immediately," "If Coach Montella isn't cut, the results of the next tournament will be predictable," "All he talks about is fate and bad luck," "Look at the interview. What exactly did he do? I would acknowledge it if even one player did their best, but get out now."

Even some fans argued there was no need to wait until the remaining third match. One fan raised his voice, saying, "Coach Montella must be fired before the match against the United States."

Coach Montella, who played as a striker for the Italian national team during his playing days, managed Serie A teams Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and AC Milan after retirement. He later coached Sevilla (Spain), Fiorentina, and Adana Demirspor (Turkey), and has led the Turkish national team since 2023.

However, the North American World Cup has become a nightmare. Turkey's return to the World Cup after 24 years ended in elimination after just two matches.

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*This content was translated by AI.