Arda Turan Emerges as Top Choice for Turkey National Team Post Following Vincenzo Montella Departure
The Turkey Football Federation has identified Shakhtar Donetsk manager Arda Turan as its primary candidate to take over the A National Football Team following the departure of Vincenzo Montella, according to reports published by Hürriyet. Turan, who is 39 years old, guided Shakhtar Donetsk to a league championship under difficult wartime conditions in Ukraine after beginning his managerial career at Eyüpspor.
The federation’s leadership granted President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu full authority to secure a new head coach during a recent board meeting, where Turan emerged as the sole domestic candidate discussed, Haber 7 reported. Hürriyet sports columnist Ufuk Kaan Karacan noted that Turan previously faced heavy public criticism and left the national team under difficult circumstances as a player, yet he is now the first name mentioned to lead the squad from the technical area.
Contractual Hurdles and Federation Proposal
Negotiations between the federation and Turan encountered immediate obstacles regarding his current club commitments in Ukraine. Sabah reported that Turan informed federation officials he did not want to leave Shakhtar Donetsk while the war in Ukraine continues, stating he refused to leave the club halfway through the situation. In response to that hesitation, federation representatives proposed a dual-role arrangement that would allow him to manage both Shakhtar Donetsk and the national team simultaneously, according to Sabah and Haber 7.
Turan’s managerial statistics reflect strong performance since he took charge of the Ukrainian club on July 1, 2025. Across 61 matches with Shakhtar Donetsk, he has recorded 40 victories, 12 draws, and 9 defeats, maintaining a 2.16 points-per-game average. Prior to that role, he managed Eyüpspor in Turkey for 84 matches across two seasons and earned promotion to the Süper Lig.
Contrasting Views on National Team Candidacy
Media commentators and former players have expressed divergent opinions regarding the timing of a potential appointment for Turan. Hürriyet columnist Ufuk Kaan Karacan argued that bringing the young manager into the national setup amid frequent administrative turnover and board resignations at the federation would place an excessive burden on his career development, describing the potential move as premature. Karacan suggested that Turan’s long-term prospects might include managing former European clubs like Atletico Madrid, where he achieved prominence during his playing career.
Meanwhile, other former internationals have pointed toward alternative candidates for the vacancy. Speaking on Kontraspor, former national player and commentator Nihat Kahveci voiced support for Fatih Tekke to take over the role, citing his transparent communication style and fairness. Kahveci specifically noted that both Turan and Okan Buruk remain under contract with their respective clubs and are therefore unavailable, according to Sözcü Gazetesi.
Fallback Options and Contingency Plans
If discussions with Turan do not result in an agreement, the federation maintains a secondary list of managerial candidates. Sabah and other sports outlets reported that the federation’s shortlist includes Şenol Güneş, Abdullah Avcı, and Fatih Tekke. Should domestic negotiations fail to secure a candidate, federation leadership is prepared to shift its focus toward foreign managerial options to fill the vacancy left by Montella.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Arda Turan take charge of Shakhtar Donetsk?
Arda Turan was appointed as the head coach of Shakhtar Donetsk on July 1, 2025, after previously managing the Turkish club Eyüpspor.
What record does Arda Turan hold at Shakhtar Donetsk?
According to published statistics, Turan has managed Shakhtar Donetsk in 61 matches, securing 40 wins, 12 draws, and 9 losses for a 2.16 points-per-game average.
Who else has been linked to the Turkey national team position?
Aside from Arda Turan, Turkish media reports have listed Şenol Güneş, Abdullah Avcı, and Fatih Tekke among the candidates considered by the Turkish Football Federation.
“Leave Arda Turan alone! Let him forge his path in Europe, let him expand the boundaries of our dreams.”
Worth a look