Montella: ÖFB team best unit of the tournament

“They are a complete team, perhaps the best team as a unit,” the Italian explained on Monday evening at the final press conference and raved about the pressing and transition game of the ÖFB selection, among other things.

Montella also repeated that Austria reminded him of a club team because the automatisms work so well. Montella and his players felt this in March when they suffered a 1:6 debacle against the ÖFB team in a test in Vienna. The coach pointed out that the game could have gone differently, but also admitted that his players had a “psychological block” after the break. “In the end it was very embarrassing. I can’t remember ever losing by such a large margin as a player or as a coach and I hope that things will be different this time.”

• Read more: ÖFB players with “controlled emotions” in Turkey duel

In recent days, some Turkish players have announced that they will seek revenge for what they consider to be a humiliating defeat, but Montella was keen to remain objective. “The first point is to make sure that we don’t let our emotions get the better of us and try to take revenge for this defeat. That can make you lose your head,” warned the 50-year-old.

Türkiye: Two important failures

Montella will have to do without the suspended Samet Akaydin and Hakan Calhanoglu against Austria. “We have two important players missing, one of them is our captain,” said the former striker, referring to director Calhanoglu. “But others will come in and do their job.”

Regardless of the suspensions, Mert Müldür should have a secure place in the starting lineup. The Viennese native came through Rapid’s youth team before moving to Sassuolo and later to Fenerbahce – he would also have been eligible to play for the ÖFB. “I grew up in Austria and learned to play football there, so of course you have a certain connection to Austria,” said Müldür.

Müldür: “Very special game”

However, the 25-year-old decided early on to join the Turkish association, and played for its youth teams from the U17s onwards. “And when the senior national team comes along, you can’t say no,” said Müldür. Due to his connections, it was a “very special game” for him, reported the defender. “Many friends from Austria have already registered, most of them will be in the stadium.”

According to Müldür, the ÖFB team is “always 100 percent committed and always gives it their all.” He does not want to single out individual Austrian players. “As a team, they are very strong.”