Montella: ‘Don’t want to think negatively, will not accept illogical criticism’

Vincenzo Montella does 'not want to think negatively' ahead of Turkiye's Nations League match against Italy, despite reports he could soon be fired. 'I cannot accept illogical criticism.'

It kicks off at the Stadio Dall'Ara in Bologna on Monday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

The pressure is mounting on the Italian tactician, who was already under attack after a disappointing performance at the 2026 World Cup this summer.

He has started the Nations League campaign with three defeats, 1-0 to France, 4-1 with Italy , and then 3-0 away to Belgium, prompting calls for his dismissal.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 25: Vincenzo Montella, Head Coach of Turkiye, looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

"We want to win, compete and challenge ourselves at this level," said Montella in his press conference.

"For most of the three games, we had our say and the result was in the balance for long periods, except for the match with Italy. We are motivated, curious to see what happens and eager to get a result, because just playing on level terms is not sufficient."

This is nowhere near the strongest Turkiye side that Montella could draw upon, because Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz and Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu are injured.

DORTMUND, GERMANY – JUNE 18: Vincenzo Montella, Head Coach of Turkiye, gestures during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Turkiye and Georgia at Football Stadium Dortmund on June 18, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Real Madrid talent Arda Guler was sent off against Belgium and is also therefore suspended, further weakening the squad.

"These are all important players for us, just as they are for their respective clubs. Nonetheless, this is a good opportunity to see new players in action and get to evaluate them.

"I am confident we'll be competitive despite the absences, and try to bring home a victory."

BURSA, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Vincenzo Montella, Head Coach of Turkiye, gestures during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

His record for Turkiye since taking the job in October 2023 is of 21 victories, five draws and 13 defeats, during which he earned promotion to Nations League A and qualification for their first World Cup in 24 years.

"I am accustomed to the dynamics of football, I know and accept them," added the coach.

"What I cannot accept is illogical criticism. What I consider to be constructive criticism, I can appreciate. It is the first time in Turkiye's history that we are in the Nations League A, and I am the only coach to have taken us to that level.

"We'd love to play more competitive matches like the one against France, or the second half with Italy, but we are struggling to score goals. With Belgium, we were in the penalty area on 42 occasions and I asked what more I could do.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Head coach Vincenzo Montella of Türkiye talks to the media during a press conference one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

"A few days ago, I was asked if I knew a striker who scored almost 100 goals in the Turkish third division, then I found out he was 32 years old. If it had been someone we could develop for the future, I would've taken him into consideration, but this kind of illogical criticism hurts me.

"I understand people might be upset after the early World Cup exit, but we went into the tournament with our top players not in great shape.

"This can be one way of reading it, but in football there are always new objectives and opportunities, so we must learn from that elimination and develop."

It is special for Montella to be back on Italian soil, and up against his former Sampdoria teammate Roberto Mancini on the touchline, but he was asked if he knew this might be his last game as Turkiye coach.

"I am determined, motivated and a professional who always gives his all with passion and a pure heart. This is my state of mind, even though I know the dynamics of football all too well. I don't want to think negatively."