Montella on Calhanoglu’s form and what Juventus can’t expect from Yildiz

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 04: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale during the Serie A TIM match between FC Internazionale and Juventus – Serie A TIM at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 04, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Vincenzo Montella believes the Serie A top-of-the-table clash between Juventus and Inter on Sunday is ‘more important’ for the Nerazzurri, as they will feel the pressure to win the game not to allow leaders Napoli to extend their gap.

The former Milan manager will also attend the Allianz Stadium showdown to closely observe Kenan Yildiz and Hakan Calhanoglu, as both players are key members of his Turkey National Team, which he has been coaching for a year and a half.

Montella observed that the Nerazzurri midfielder ‘hasn’t reached his peak yet’ this season, also due to multiple injuries, but he insists Simone Inzaghi’s side ‘changes a lot’ without him.

The Italian coach also admitted that he expected more from Thiago Motta’s Juventus, but he is particularly pleased with how the coach is helping Yildiz develop, describing him as an ‘extraordinary talent’ who needs to shore ‘more ruthlessness’ in the final third.

Montella: Calhanoglu hasn’t reached his peak, Yildiz must score more goals

While Calhanoglu’s performances haven’t been as consistent as the previous season, Montella believes the physical problems he had also played a part.

“He’s had several injuries, which have led to ups and downs,” the coach explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview.

“He hasn’t reached his peak yet, but with or without him, Inter change a lot. My esteem for Calhanoglu doesn’t drop one bit; he’s a great player and has everything: tactical intelligence, technical quality, personality, vision, and a winning mentality. He always makes a difference.

“Inter’s ball circulation is a bit slower than in the past, and his style of play—characterised by switches, vertical passes, and speed—can suffer from that.”

Asked whether the Nerazzurri tend to manage energies in some games due to a busy fixture list, Montella pointed out that Napoli’s form is what is making things complicated for Inzaghi’s men.

“I don’t think so, maybe we are just conditioned by the fact that last year Inter won the league by dominating easily,” Montella said.

“This year, Napoli’s performance under Conte forces the others to never stop. And when this naturally happens, criticism rains down immediately. But Inzaghi has broad shoulders, experience, and a top squad.

“The match [against Juventus] is more important for Inter. When you’re fighting for the title, head-to-head, you can never stop.

Did he expect more from Thiago Motta at Juventus?

“Honestly, yes, because I have a lot of respect for Thiago as a coach,” the Turkey head coach continued.

“However, he had to deal with a lot of injuries all at once, which affected players from whom more was expected.

“Every coach has his own style. Some focus on a core group with alternatives, while others mix things up more, even rotating the captain’s armband. Of course, many competitions and larger squads often influence this.”

How would he describe Yildiz’s season so far?

“Positive,” Montella claimed.

“He’s played a lot and shown his enormous qualities. He’s an extraordinary talent, only 19, and playing at Juventus is a big deal.

“You can’t expect him to have the consistency of a veteran just yet. He can do many things, including chasing down opponents, but he still has a lot to improve.

“He has to be more decisive in terms of goals and assists. Having more ruthlessness in the final 16 meters: scoring scrappy goals too.

“But he’s a beautiful player to watch, capable of playing as an outside forward like in the national team, a second striker, or an attacking midfielder. I’m satisfied with his growth.”