Montella: The Match Against Iceland is the Key to the Group
Montella highlighted the strength of their opponents and the weather conditions. The head coach of the national team, “This is the key match for the group. Conditions may be tough, but you can’t always play in the conditions you desire. You need to adapt to every situation. If you can adapt, you can show the difference,” he said.
In the fourth match of the UEFA Nations League B, the national team will face Iceland tonight, and Italian coach Vincenzo Montella described the match as “the key match for the group.” He pointed out the cold and windy weather in Reykjavik, where the match will be held, stating, “Conditions may be tough, but in football, you can’t always play in the desired conditions. You need to adapt to every situation. You can highlight the level difference this way. If you adapt, you can show the difference.”
THINKING ABOUT ROTATION
Montella emphasized that Iceland is a team accustomed to playing in cold and windy weather, stating, “This shouldn’t be an excuse. The wind might disturb us the most. We know Iceland has had historical results here, but regardless of the results, we know what we need to do.”
When asked if he would rotate the squad against Iceland, Vincenzo Montella replied, “I am thinking about it. I will make my final decision tomorrow (today).”
EXPECTING AN ORGANIZED TEAM
Montella described Iceland as a well-organized and physically strong team and explained the points they need to pay attention to: “I expect an organized team in front of us. In the last match, they applied a soft press in the first half and switched to direct pressing in the second half. We know they are a physical team. They try to use their physical attributes during corners and throw-ins.”
IT’S COLD HERE, BUT THESE ARE NOT EXCUSES
Orkun Kokcu, one of the key players in the national team’s midfield, commented on the match against Iceland, saying, “It has been a long journey, and there is a time difference. It’s quite cold here, but these are not excuses. We are 100% ready. We had a very good European Championship, and we want to continue that success.”
