Statements from Montella and Ozan Kabak before the match against Italy
A National Football Team Head Coach Vincenzo Montella and national football player Ozan Kabak made statements at a press conference in Bologna ahead of the match against Italy.
The A National Football Team held a press conference at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium in Bologna, with the participation of Head Coach Vincenzo Montella and national football player Ozan Kabak, ahead of their UEFA Nations League League A match against Italy.
Historical Match and Experience Process
A National Football Team Head Coach Vincenzo Montella stated that they are competing in League A of the UEFA Nations League for the first time in their history. Expressing that they do not yet have a habit as a country at this level, Montella said they are continuing on their path by gaining experience.
Squad Absences and Opportunity Evaluation
Stating that there are significant absences in the match such as Arda Güler, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Kenan Yıldız, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Orkun Kökçü, and Mert Müldür, Montella conveyed that they evaluate this situation as a chance to see new faces and give them opportunities.
Criticisms and Goalscoring Problem
Emphasizing that he does not listen to illogical and unfair criticisms directed at the team, the Italian coach shared that during the last meeting, he was suggested to call up a 31-year-old striker from the 3rd League. He also stated that despite entering the penalty box 42 times in the Belgium match, they could not find a goal.
Ozan Kabak Emphasizes Unity and Solidarity
Taking the floor at the press conference, national football player Ozan Kabak stated that the first three matches played in the group did not go as they wanted and that they need to be realistic. Expressing that they want to show a good reaction against Italy by learning from their mistakes.
Emphasizing that the team's greatest strength is friendship, togetherness, and a family atmosphere, Ozan Kabak expressed his belief that they will rise from where they fell, once again in unity.
Work on Defensive Issues
Accepting that they concede too many goals defensively, national defender Ozan Kabak added that they are working tactically in training sessions to resolve this problem.