In an interview with Sky Italia, Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella discussed his team-building philosophy and praised the influence of Hakan Çalhanoğlu.
Speaking on the national team's development, Montella noted: "We have truly built a cohesive unit. Many previously criticized this team for its lack of stability, so our first priority was to streamline the tactical framework. I avoided overloading the players with complex instructions; instead, I focused on core principles to ensure everyone is pulling in the same direction. The biggest challenge in international football is the limited time available, so you must quickly establish a clear identity and training methodology that ideally complements their club roles. While I was already familiar with the domestic players, I dedicated more time to scouting those playing abroad. Reaching the World Cup is no fluke; it’s the result of more than just individual flair."
Montella also shared a personal revelation for the first time: "Before I took the job at Adana Demirspor, I actually considered walking away from coaching. I hadn't found the right opportunity, and after enjoying the pace of life at home during the pandemic, the thought crossed my mind. Adana’s approach changed everything for me. Looking at our current talent, Kenan Yıldız is exceptional—his one-on-one ability is a constant threat, even against multiple markers. And, of course, we have Çalhanoğlu, whose mastery of tempo is truly unique."
Regarding Çalhanoğlu’s importance, Montella emphasized: "His absence is deeply felt, not just for Turkey but for Inter Milan as well; he is the heartbeat of the side. He dictates when to accelerate and when to slow the game down—without him, a vital piece of the puzzle is missing. His teammates simply feel more secure when he’s on the pitch. Compared to our time together at AC Milan, his defensive awareness is now on another level. Even when he isn’t making a direct tackle, his positioning and reading of the game are superb. For a player of his technical caliber to commit so wholeheartedly to the defensive side is rare and impressive."
Finally, addressing Çalhanoğlu’s tactical fit in a two-man midfield at Inter, Montella added: "He is such a well-rounded player that he doesn't necessarily need a 'destroyer' next to him; he could easily partner with another technical midfielder. Ultimately, it depends on the center-back pairing, but the key, as always, is balance."