[87229] Shock in the Turkish national team: Montella makes drastic changes ahead of the match against Paraguay

Montella changes course: Three stars out of the lineup

Following the Turkish national team's disappointing loss to Australia in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, coach Vincenzo Montella has decided on disciplinary and professional measures. According to GALATASARAY BAŞAKŞEHİR CANLI, the coach placed the responsibility for the failure on three central players: Barış Alper Yılmaz, Zeki Çelik, and Orkun Kökçü, who are expected to be benched.

The reports, which were also confirmed in BEŞİKTAŞ SEVDALILARI, emphasize that this is a "reckoning" following the poor performance against the Australians. Journalist Haluk Yürekli notes that Montella is determined to make far-reaching changes to the starting 11 ahead of the critical encounter against Paraguay, which is defined in TGRT HABER as a "final match" for the Turks.

On the professional front, it seems that Montella is looking for creative solutions in the attacking third. According to another report by GALATASARAY BAŞAKŞEHİR CANLI, the coach has been testing Kerem Aktürkoğlu in the striker position during recent training sessions, indicating an intention to change the existing attacking formation.

Haber Gündem adds that this is a "routine-breaking decision" (ezber bozan karar), with the expectation being a completely different lineup from the one that started in the previous match. The Turkish national team is under heavy pressure in Group D, and victory over Paraguay has become a mandatory task to maintain hopes of qualifying in the tournament.