Abdullah Avcı Responds to Turkey National Team Manager Rumors Following Montella’s Departure

Following the departure of Vincenzo Montella, the Turkish Football Federation’s search for a new head coach of the Turkey national football team has brought several candidates into public view. Among them, veteran manager Abdullah Avcı addressed his name being linked to the post during an appearance at RAMS Park for a UEFA Champions League fixture, while alternative candidates including Arda Turan and Francesco Calzona emerged through reports across Turkish sports media outlets.

Abdullah Avcı Responds to National Team Speculation at RAMS Park

Abdullah Avcı stated that while having his name mentioned for the Turkey national team position is a source of pride, no formal agreement is currently in place. Speaking to an Anadolu Agency reporter at RAMS Park while attending the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray and Barcelona, Avcı acknowledged the significance of the role following the exit of Vincenzo Montella on October 9, 2026. Avcı noted that having worked with both youth setups and the senior national team previously makes him happy to be considered. He emphasized that serving the country and the national flag is an ambition shared by every coach, but clarified that nothing is definite at this moment.

Arda Turan Addresses National Team Links Amid Shakhtar Donetsk Commitments

Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Arda Turan addressed media reports linking him to the vacant Turkey national team position during a press conference at Stamford Bridge ahead of his team’s UEFA Champions League fixture against AEK. Turan described it as an exciting honor to see public support unite behind his name after previously representing the country at every playing level. However, the 39-year-old manager emphasized his commitment to Shakhtar Donetsk and club president Rinat Akhmetov, noting that his players deserve full focus without external distractions. Turan stressed that representing one’s country can also be achieved by coaching abroad and carrying national success into European competitions, adding that he intends to continue developing his career at the club level.

Turan began his managerial career at Eyüpspor, leading the Istanbul representative to the 1. Lig championship in the 2023/24 season and promotion to the Süper Lig before taking charge of Shakhtar Donetsk in May 2025. He stated that being persuaded to take the post is not an issue as a citizen of the Republic of Turkey, though he added that such offers are things a person dreams of. He noted that sometimes dreams form at a better time than oneself, maintaining total loyalty to his contract, Rinat Akhmetov, the club’s dreams, and his players.

Francesco Calzona Emerges as a Foreign Candidate for the Federation

While domestic names dominate local headlines, foreign candidates have also surfaced in connection with the Turkish Football Federation’s coaching search. According to Sözcü Gazetesi and Transfermarkt, former Slovakya national team coach Francesco Calzona was offered to the federation through his representatives. Calzona confirmed his interest to HT Spor, stating that if the opportunity with Turkey materialized, it would be a great honor and privilege following his tenure with Slovakia. Calzona previously managed Napoli and served as an assistant under Maurizio Sarri, Eusebio Di Francesco, and Luciano Spalletti.

Speaking to Mert Efe Demirkan of HT Spor, the 57-year-old manager stated, My manager warned me to be prepared for an upcoming assignment. Of course, if this is the Turkish National Team, it would be a great honor for me. After having a great process in Slovakia, it would be a privilege to manage Turkey. Calzona managed the Slovakia national team from July 2022 to April 2026, overseeing 40 matches with a 1.63 points-per-game average, taking the team to the round of 16 at EURO 2024 before a 2-1 extra-time defeat against England. He also served as head coach of Napoli from February 2024 to June 2024 while maintaining his role with Slovakia, recording a 1.13 points average across 16 matches.

Federation Deliberates on Successor to Montella

The Turkish Football Federation continues its evaluation process to name a permanent successor following Montella’s departure. Reports from Onedio and other Turkish outlets indicate that while initial preference centered heavily on domestic leadership, the shortlist features a blend of active club managers and experienced free agents. The federation has not yet announced a definitive timeline for making an official appointment, leaving the technical staff vacancy open as clubs return to domestic and continental schedules.

Sabah newspaper reports indicate that the federation’s primary preference is Shakhtar Donetsk manager Arda Turan, with foreign options including Julian Nagelsmann, Didier Deschamps, and Vitor Pereira also discussed. Calzona has been unattached since April 2026, while Avcı noted he has received 10 to 12 offers domestically and internationally during his roughly two-year break from management following his departure from Trabzonspor.