Montella's Men Ready for Kosovo Decider: 'Our Footballers are Real Men'

Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella rallies his troops for the World Cup qualifying playoff | Picture: The Straits Times 

Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella rallies his troops for the World Cup qualifying playoff final against Kosovo, seeking a historic spot in the tournament.

“I carry in my heart the fact that this country treated me like one of ‌its own...”

Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella is gearing up for the World Cup qualifying playoff final against Kosovo, and he's rallying his troops with a bold statement. “As I speak these words, which are very important to me and come from my heart, my first thought is: our footballers are real men,” Montella said, clearly pumped up for the clash.

Montella's words come as Turkey looks to secure a spot in the World Cup, and he's banking on his team's spirit and determination. The match is set to take place on Tuesday in Kosovo, and Montella's message seems to be just the boost his players needed.

“I took over as ‌head coach during a very difficult period... My players have supported ‌me. They have always been a fighting group.

“They know that ‌it's not just their own names written on their backs. It's the names of millions of Turkish people and children.”

Vincenzo Montella, former AS Roma forward, took the reins as Turkey's head coach in 2023 and has led them to Euro 2024 qualification. Now, he's on the brink of guiding Turkey to its first World Cup in 24 years.

“Everyone feels the pressure. This is a final. We haven't been there for 24 years, but most of our players weren't even born then,” the 51-year-old Montella said.

“If we couldn't go for 24 ⁠years, it's not their fault. This time we want to go, we will do our best for our country.”

A Millî Takımımız, Kosova ile oynayacağı maç için Riva'dan çıkış yaptı. #BizimÇocuklar I #TürkÖndeTürkİleri I @MercedesTurkiye pic.twitter.com/z3npJ4OdDe

— Türkiye #BizimÇocuklar 🇹🇷 (@MilliTakimlar) March 30, 2026

Turkey's task just got tougher. They're heading to Pristina to face Kosovo, who are on a high after beating Slovakia 4-3 in their semi-final match. Kosovo is aiming for a historic first World Cup qualification, and their fans are buzzing with excitement. The match is set to take place tomorrow at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium, and tickets sold out in minutes, with some being resold for up to 20 times their original price.

“There's one match left to reach the World Cup. It's not about quality; whoever plays with more heart will win. We're aware of that and we're ready,” Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu said. “I remember our first match against Kosovo, I was there. They are very strong and have good players.”

Vincenzo Montella is riding high in Turkey, where he's already earned massive respect for turning the national team's fortunes around. A win on Tuesday would cement his hero status, and he's just one match away from making history with a World Cup spot.

“I carry in my heart the fact that this country treated me like one of ‌its own. From day one until today, I have felt the support of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF),” he said.

“The culture that raised me and the culture I encountered in Turkey are incredibly similar. I can think like a Turk. ⁠I eat like a Turk. ⁠I act like a ‌Turk. That's why I feel like a Turk.“