Sergen Yalcin takes over Turkey ahead of Nations League finale

Yalcin appointed Turkey head coach

Turkey have appointed Sergen Yalcin as head coach following the departure of Vincenzo Montella, with the new manager set to take charge for the team’s final two Nations League matches in November.

The Turkish Football Association confirmed Yalcin’s appointment on Tuesday. Turkey face Belgium and France to close out their campaign, having lost all four of their Nations League matches so far: against France, Italy twice and Belgium.

Montella was dismissed after Turkey’s group-stage exit at the World Cup and their poor start in the Nations League. He won 21 of his 40 matches in charge, a 52.5 per cent win rate, and lost 14.

‘A source of pride and happiness’

Yalcin, who most recently left Besiktas after a second spell in May, said he was proud to take on the national-team role.

“This duty is a very important one. The crescent and star are above everything. It is a position every coach wants to reach. Being the people's coach is a wonderful feeling,” Yalcin said on Kafa Sports, as quoted by Turkiye Today.

“It is a source of pride and happiness for me, too. Hopefully, with everyone's support, a successful journey awaits us with the national team.”

Yalcin has worked throughout his managerial career in the Turkish Super Lig. Across 276 matches as a manager in all competitions, he has recorded 121 wins, 67 draws and 88 defeats.