Inter Milan playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu spoke highly of Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella ahead of tonight’s game against Montenegro.
During a pre-match conference via FCInterNews, Calhanoglu explained the Crescent-Stars’ stance on the former AC Milan boss.
Unfortunately for the Turkish faithful, the 30-year-old will not be on the pitch this evening.
Hakan Calhanoglu slumped to a minor thigh problem against Wales last weekend.
Therefore, Montella will leave him on the bench in Podgorica as his men bid to secure League A promotion.
With the UEFA Nations League group stage drawing to a close, Montella’s charges are front-runners to win a top place in Group B4.
Indeed, two points clear of second-placed Wales, they meet pointless Montenegro in the group stage finale.
Heavily fancied to take three points, the Turks head to Podgorica to get the job done, albeit in troubled spirits.
They could’ve sealed a top-table finish against Wales.
However, Kerem Akturkoglu wasted a last-gasp penalty, pouring pressure on Turkey ahead of tonight’s fixture.
Inter Milan Ace Hakan Calhanoglu Reveals Turkey Affection for Vincenzo Montella
Montella helped Turkey qualify for EURO 2024 and make it out of the group stages for the first time since 2008.
Meanwhile, the 50-year-old emerged among several candidates linked with a vacant managerial post at Roma.
However, the Giallorossi appointed Claudio Ranieri last week after parting ways with Ivan Juric.
Calhanoglu admits his international colleagues strongly advised Montella to rebuff Roma’s approach.
“When the rumors came out, we all told him ‘stay here.’ Everyone loves him and takes great care of him,” the Inter star maintained.
“I have 11 years of experience with the National team, I’ve seen it all.
“There is great unity in the team after the European Championship, everyone respects and loves each other.
“We spent 45 days in the camp, and no one disrespected anyone thanks to Montella’s way of communicating.”