Turkey name Yalcin as head coach to replace Montella

Oct 20 (Reuters) - Turkey have appointed Sergen Yalcin as head coach on a four-year contract to replace the sacked Italian Vincenzo Montella, the country's football federation (TFF) announced on Tuesday.

The 53-year-old former Turkey midfielder steps into the job following Montella's dismissal earlier this month after a difficult UEFA Nations League ⁠campaign.

Turkey sit bottom of Group A1 after four consecutive losses, having also suffered a group stage exit from the 2026 World Cup.

"We wish Yalcin success in his new role and hope this decision proves auspicious for our country and our national team," ⁠the TFF said in a statement.

A prominent figure in Turkish football, Yalcin won 37 caps from 1994 to 2003, featured at Euro 1996 ⁠and Euro 2000 and played for Besiktas, Fenerbahce, and Galatasaray.

As a manager, Yalcin guided Besiktas to ⁠a domestic double of Super Lig and Turkish Cup in the 2020-21 season. ⁠He ended a second stint in charge of Besiktas in May.

Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Ken Ferris