Inglewood, Calif. — On the eve of Turkey’s final World Cup group stage match against the United States, Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella publicly defended his players amid mounting criticism from parts of the Turkish media and fans. The remarks came after Turkey’s elimination following two consecutive losses in the tournament.
Speaking through an interpreter during a press conference Wednesday, Montella addressed what he described as unfair personal attacks directed at his squad. “They are our boys, they are our players, they are the future of football,” Montella said. He likened the criticism to an affront against one’s own family and pledged his unwavering support for the team. “From my side they will have unconditional support because they deserve this support and I will be supporting them all the time,” he added.
Montella cited various statistical measures from Turkey’s first two games to illustrate the scoring opportunities the team created despite failing to find the net. “We cannot destroy everyone,” he remarked, emphasizing the effort and potential seen on the field. The coach’s passionate defense followed an incident Tuesday when Turkish fans confronted Montella, federation president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu, and captain Hakan Çalhanoglu outside their hotel in Los Angeles.
“I don’t want my boys [the team] to be influenced by what people are saying, but I’ve seen their faces,” Montella said. “It’s like if they were my children.”
Meanwhile, U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino provided updates on his squad’s lineup for the upcoming match, which serves as a formality for both nations given their respective standings. Pochettino indicated that players carrying yellow cards—including Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, and Tyler Adams—are unlikely to feature in the game to avoid suspension in potential knockout rounds.
Regarding injured midfielder Cristian Roldan, who has missed recent training due to a quadriceps issue, Pochettino reported positive progress but said his availability would be evaluated on matchday.
Christian Pulisic, who declared himself fit Wednesday morning after recovering from an unspecified issue, is expected to see limited playing time. “We need to decide if it’s possible to [start] again or be on the bench and have the possibility to play in the second half,” Pochettino said.
Thursday’s match between Turkey and the United States will conclude Group stage play, with both teams already eliminated from advancing to the knockout rounds.