September 18 – Stefan Kuntz has been sacked as Turkey manager after criticising is players following the national team’s friendly 4-2 loss to Japan that followed an under-performing Euro qualifying draw with Armenia.
Kuntz had responded to fans’ calls for his resignation by saying his players needed to work harder and that he should not take all the blame.
During a press conference, he did not mince words saying: “Rather than closing their ears, it is important to open their eyes. Players should reach the level where they give 100%. If they are not giving their 100%, it hurts me. Answers are provided on the field, not during interviews.”
But his contract, which had been set to end after next year’s Euros, has now been prematurely terminated after his comments soured relations with Turkey’s Football Federation which on Sunday informed him they were parting ways.
Kuntz, a former Germany striker who also played for Turkish club Besiktas, was appointed in September 2021 after leading the German Under-21 team to the European title in 2017 and 2021. He has won 12 of his 20 matches since taking charge of Turkey.
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