Soccer-Turkey name Yalcin as head coach to replace Montella

Turkey have appointed Sergen ​Yalcin as head ​coach on a ‌four-year contract ​to replace the sacked Italian Vincenzo Montella, the country's football federation (TFF) ‌announced on Tuesday. The 53-year-old former Turkey midfielder steps into the job following Montella's dismissal earlier this month after ‌a difficult UEFA Nations League campaign.

Turkey sit bottom ‌of Group A1 after four consecutive losses, having also suffered a group stage exit from the 2026 World Cup. "We wish ⁠Yalcin ​success in ⁠his new role and hope this decision proves auspicious for our ⁠country and our national team," the TFF said in ​a statement.

A prominent figure in Turkish football, Yalcin ⁠won 37 caps from 1994 to 2003, featured at Euro 1996 ⁠and ​Euro 2000 and played for Besiktas, Fenerbahce, and Galatasaray. As a manager, Yalcin guided Besiktas to ⁠a domestic double of Super Lig and Turkish Cup in ⁠the ⁠2020–21 season. He ended a second stint in charge of Besiktas in May.