Turkey reject report of Roma approach for Montella | OneFootball

A representative of the Turkish Football Federation has responded to reports Roma will poach manager Vincenzo Montella. ‘It is not happening.’

The Giallorossi pulled the plug on Ivan Juric following Sunday’s home defeat to Bologna and are seeking their fourth different coach of the calendar year after Jose Mourinho and Daniele De Rossi.

Montella has emerged as one of the candidates for the role, with the Corriere dello Sport suggesting Roma could activate a release clause in his contract with Turkey.

Turkey hold on to Roma target Montella

LEIPZIG, GERMANY – JULY 02: Vincenzo Montella, Head Coach of Turkiye, celebrates after the team’s victory in the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Austria and Turkiye at Football Stadium Leipzig on July 02, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

In response, Fanatik contacted Turkish Football Federation board member Ceyhun Kazanci.

“This is not happening,” he replied.

“We have a contract with Montella until the end of the 2026 World Cup. He is very happy here and 100 per cent focused.

“There is nothing more natural than the names of successful coaches being mentioned in links with some big clubs, but he will be with us until the end of the 2026 World Cup.”

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Montella has been in charge of the Turkey squad since September 2023 and so far has overseen nine victories, three draws and five defeats.

He also started his coaching career at Roma, first with the youth team from 2009-11, then for a brief 16-match spell from February to June 2011 he was the head coach of the senior squad.

His experience with the Giallorossi was primarily as a player from 1999 to 2007.