Montella and Calhanoglu reveal Turkish reaction to Roma report | OneFootball

Vincenzo Montella and Hakan Calhanoglu acknowledged the ‘speculation’ Roma wanted the Turkey coach and revealed how they reacted to it.

The rumours were swirling around in the Italian and Turkish media last week when Ivan Juric was sacked and Roma were seeking a new tactician, their fourth of the calendar year.

Montella had emerged as the hot favourite for a return to the Serie A club, where he had already been both a player and briefly as coach.

However, under contract with Turkey and during the break for international duty, the Giallorossi turned instead to veteran Claudio Ranieri.

Montella on Roma approach

LEIPZIG, GERMANY – JULY 02: Vincenzo Montella, Head Coach of Turkiye, celebrates after the team’s victory in the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Austria and Turkiye at Football Stadium Leipzig on July 02, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Speaking at a press conference today, Montella was asked about those rumours.

“There is always a lot of speculation in football. I am really happy to be here,” he insisted.

“Sometimes there is going to be criticism too, but I still feel loved here. If one day I do leave, the President of the Federation will be the first to know. We have a good relationship and we can talk about anything.

“Everyone can rest assured, I am staying here.”

When asked outright if he had received an offer from Roma, Montella shut down the journalist.

“I think we should stop talking about this now, it’s a distraction and we need to focus on the Montenegro game.”

Inter and Turkey midfielder Calhanoglu was also speaking to the media this afternoon and commented on the reports.

“We did hear that Montella was wanted by Roma, but we told him without question, you are staying here! We are all really happy with him as coach and want him to remain.”

The 50-year-old Italian took the Turkey job in September 2023 and has so far overseen nine victories, four draws and five defeats.

He took them to qualification for the EURO 2024 tournament, where they went out in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands.