Vincenzo Montella dismissed in Istanbul, Red Devils seek successor

In the town of Sclessin, Turkish supporters waved their flags after the 3-0 defeat to the Red Devils, sealing the downfall of Vincenzo Montella, who was dismissed by the Turkish Football Federation tonight, ahead of Belgium's match in Izmir in November.

Turkey is seen as the weak link in the Red Devils group, the Turks having failed to earn any points during the last international break. This zero-point tally over twelve matches, with a goal difference of –9, has increased the pressure on the coach.

Criticism in Istanbul

Vincenzo Montella has become the target of criticism in Istanbul and its surroundings. Turkish supporters in Sclessin, after the 3-0 defeat, put him on the hot seat, calling him responsible for the poor performance.

Federation's decision

Faced with criticism too strong to ignore, the Turkish Football Federation cut to the chase and announced his dismissal early in the evening. The Italian coach will no longer be on the Turkish bench for Belgium's visit to Izmir in November.

Financial consequences

Despite a substantial salary of around two million euros per season, the contract termination would trigger a severance payment of at least five million euros. Montella remains under contract until after Euro 2028, but two Nations League fixtures await him before the end of his tenure.

Succession and options

Arda Turan is already among the favorites to succeed Montella. Major Turkish newspapers also name Fatih Terim and Nuri Şahin as potential successors, while the board has appointed Ibrahim Özbay and Metin Akyüz as replacement members.

Next match

Turkey's next fixture will be hosting the Red Devils on 12 November in Izmir, a match that will be played without Montella at the helm. The Federation hopes to turn the situation around before the World Cup and League A of the Nations League.