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Vincenzo Montella, head coach of the Türkiye national football team since 2023, has voiced confidence in Kenan Yildiz and expressed surprise at Juventus’ recent dip in form, while underlining the decisive impact of key disciplinary incidents and the absence of Dusan Vlahovic.
Speaking to Tuttosport ahead of the second leg between Juventus and Galatasaray, Montella reflected on the unexpected outcome of the first encounter in Istanbul, where the Turkish champions took control after Juventus were reduced to 10 men.
Montella said he had not expected such a result in the first leg, stressing that matches often turn on isolated moments. He described the contest as evenly balanced until the dismissal of Cabal, adding that Galatasaray made full use of their numerical advantage.
While he refrained from ranking the two sides, he pointed out that Galatasaray has been building up international experience and a stronger mentality, which has started to show on the European stage. He also noted that episodes such as red cards can shake a team’s confidence, especially when they dominate media coverage and shift focus away from the pitch.
Referring to the controversial sending-off of Pierre Kalulu in the clash with Inter, following a duel with Alessandro Bastoni, Montella suggested that although such incidents do not define an entire season, they can weigh on a team during a particular stretch.
He said that when debates spill over off the field, players can end up burning energy dealing with pressure rather than concentrating on performance.
Montella, who closely follows Juventus because of Yildiz, described the young forward as a top-level talent who inevitably goes through ups and downs when playing frequently at both the club and international levels.
He emphasized that Yildiz has never needed his advice on career decisions, including his recent contract extension with Juventus until 2030, and interpreted the renewal as a strong vote of confidence from the club.
According to Montella, the player has reached a significant level of maturity and simply needs better support up front to elevate his game further.
He also praised Spalletti, noting that the Italian coach had instilled a strong mentality in a short time and that such groundwork should not be underestimated.
Beyond the individual match-up, Montella used the occasion to underline the broader growth of Turkish football. He explained that clubs in Türkiye can register a maximum of 14 foreign players, a regulation designed to protect and promote domestic talent.
He argued that mid- and smaller-sized clubs are increasingly investing in youth development and are willing to give young players opportunities, even if not all of them are immediately ready.
As examples, he highlighted Yilmaz for his physical strength and versatility across multiple positions and Kilicsoy, currently playing in Italy with Cagliari, as a talent to watch.
Montella expressed confidence that more Turkish players will break through in the near future, reflecting what he sees as a shift in mentality within the domestic game.
Montella also looked back on his long-standing relationship with Spalletti, recalling that they played together when he was 17 and that Spalletti later coached him at Empoli.
He remembered returning from a year out due to myocarditis, a heart inflammation, and being trusted to play in crucial relegation play-offs.
He said such gestures are not forgotten and acknowledged the profound impact Spalletti has had on his career.
Asked about Juventus’ attacking struggles, Montella was clear about the importance of Vlahovic. He ranked the Serbian striker among the top five in Europe in his position and described his absence as decisive.
He pointed out that in Italian football, forwards have very little time to think and move, making adaptation crucial, and suggested that Vlahovic’s familiarity with the league makes him particularly valuable.
Looking ahead, Montella kept the door open for a Juventus comeback against Galatasaray, noting that football always leaves room for surprises.
He added that Galatasaray’s emotional leader, Victor Osimhen, can significantly alter the balance of a match and that his potential absence would represent a major advantage for Juventus.
For now, however, Montella’s main priority remains the national team.
Türkiye is set to enter the World Cup playoffs, first facing Romania and then the winner of Slovakia versus Kosovo.
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