Turkey turns to ex-international Sergen Yalçın after a brutal Nations League start

Turkey has appointed former international soccer star Sergen Yalçın as the new national coach, replacing Vincenzo Montella. Montella was dismissed this month following Turkey's devastating start to the Nations League, suffering four consecutive defeats to France, Italy (twice) and Belgium.

Yalçın, a 53-year-old former Turkish international, was appointed to the role following a board meeting on Tuesday. His previous coaching position was at Beşiktaş, where he served a single season before leaving by mutual agreement in May. This was Yalçın's second tenure at Beşiktaş, having previously led the club to a domestic double in 2021.

In his playing career, Yalçın represented Turkey 37 times and played for Beşiktaş for a decade, winning multiple domestic titles with the club. He also had successful stints at Galatasaray, winning two Süper Lig titles and two Turkish Cups. As a coach, Yalçın brings valuable experience and a proven track record to the Turkish national team. His first match in charge will be a home game against Belgium on November 12, followed by an away match against France three days later.