Vincenzo Montella struck a confident tone after guiding Turkey to a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Romania, a result that sends his side into the final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers play-offs.
Speaking after the final whistle at Besiktas Park, the Turkish head coach highlighted his team’s discipline and composure, emphasizing how their tactical patience ultimately paid off.
Despite Romania’s deep defensive setup, Turkey found a way to break through by adjusting their approach as the match progressed.
“In the first half, when the opponent was sitting back, we needed deep runs. We tried to implement this in the second half,” Montella stated.
“Our players played a very mature match. Sometimes you can be impatient in these kinds of matches.
“We never created distances and remained mature. We achieved what we wanted. I am very happy and proud that we played without ever losing distance.”
With momentum now on their side, Turkey are just one win away from securing a long-awaited return to the World Cup stage; a goal that has remained elusive for years.
Montella stated that they are one step away from the World Cup.
“We are fully concentrated. In the final, we will need more than this match. We want to succeed. We haven’t participated in the World Cup for many years.
“Our goal and dream is to participate in the World Cup. Hopefully, we can achieve this and make everyone happy.”
As the atmosphere continues to build around the national team, Montella also took time to acknowledge the fans, whose support has grown significantly since his appointment.
“When I started here, there was initially a coldness. Now there is a great love for the national team. Our players achieved this with the heart they showed.”
The Italian tactician also reflected on facing Romania’s experienced head coach Mircea Lucescu, a figure he holds in high regard, adding a personal touch to the victory.
“I have many memories with him. When I started coaching at the age of 35, we played against Shakhtar.”
During my time at Milan, he used to come to see Hakan Calhanoglu. He is a coach I have great respect and affection for.
“There’s no need to talk about his career. Meeting him after the match was a nice memory. He’s a good person. I’m very happy that I was able to beat him.”
The head coach also addressed his tactical decision to leave Orkun Kokcu out of the starting lineup, explaining that the choice was driven purely by team needs rather than individual form.
“Orkun knows how much we love him. Our relationship is incredibly good. I know he’s in good form. I had a hard time making this choice.
“As a coach, I don’t work for my own comfort zone; I work for the team as needed. I played Ismail because I believe we needed a player with qualities like Ismail Yuksek in this match.
“As a coach, I always think about the good of the team.”
With the final hurdle now in sight, Turkey will look to carry this momentum forward as they push for a place on football’s biggest stage.
Vincenzo Montella praises Turkey’s mature performance after win over Romania and targets World Cup qualification.
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