New manager Sergen Yalcin is tasked with leading the Turkish national team out of its slump. However, tough challenges lie ahead in the opening matches against Belgium and France.
The situation ahead of his debut could hardly be worse – yet Sergen Yalcin, the new manager of the Turkish national football team, nevertheless tried to remain optimistic: “We have our last two matches ahead of us and we still have a chance of avoiding relegation. The match against Belgium is very important,” said Yalcin ahead of his debut.
On Thursday, Yalcin will take charge of the Turkish national team for the first time in the Nations League against Belgium, but his side have their backs against the wall ahead of the clash in Izmir. Turkey have lost all four of their Nations League matches so far, and relegation from League A now seems almost inevitable.
Yalcin’s predecessor, Vincenzo Montella – who took over from Stefan Kuntz in September 2023 – was sacked following the run of defeats. Before that, things had already gone terribly wrong at the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. After two defeats at the start of the tournament, Turkey were knocked out in the group stage under the Italian coach.
With Yalcin at the helm, things are now expected to improve. The 54-year-old, regarded as one of the most colourful figures in Turkish football, most recently managed Beşiktaş Istanbul until the end of last season. Following his debut against Belgium, a clash against Zinedine Zidane’s France awaits on Sunday in Bordeaux.
It seems almost inconceivable at present that relegation from the Nations League can still be averted. Yet Yalcin, who has been given a four-year contract, has already set out long-term goals: qualification for the upcoming European Championships and World Cups.