Vincenzo Montella, Turkey's coach, spoke on the eve of the game with Paraguay and criticized the atmosphere created after the defeat in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Australia.
"We weren't happy with the result of the debut. We're all looking forward to tomorrow's game so we can get everything right. We knew about Australia's transitions and counterattacks, they were cynical to the max. We had 30 shots on goal against Australia; Portugal, the favorite against Congo, only had one shot in the frame. It's difficult to penetrate teams that defend with two blocks of 9-10 players in the last 25 meters. It's important to take risks with shots from distance — we did it many times, but with little precision. Each game is different, in preparation and development”, he stated.
"We could have done better in some moments, especially with the ball, and been more effective in neutralizing the opponent's qualities. We are analyzing the game lucidly, despite the scientifically engineered chaos — and I'm very sorry — because this team has achieved great results in the last three years. They deserve more respect, even if they could have done better. I feel more Turkish than many people who create chaos. This team is more appreciated abroad than at home. I'm not referring to everyone, nor the entire class This can upset the boys: many are 20 years old, they are young, they can suffer. I trust them, they are men as well as footballers. We will do our best because we want to continue playing in the World Cup.”
Regarding Paraguay, the Italian coach highlighted: "They scored the same points as Brazil, minus one from Ecuador; Argentina scored more. It is a team with great verticality, players with temperament and quality. We will change some things, but it will be more of a tactical option than a technical one."
Montella also recognized the harshness of the internal reactions: "In Turkey they were particularly harsh and that takes away our lightness. At the World Cup, after a defeat, it's not easy. It hurts when there is atrocious criticism. I know that when we lose I don't expect praise, I'm used to it. Even when we win, there are always those who find a problem."