Turkey have decided to part ways with German head coach Stefan Kuntz following a disappointing period during which the national football team failed to qualify for the previous year's World Cup.
Kuntz's tenure reached its breaking point when Turkey played to a 1-1 draw at home against archrival Armenia in a Euro 2024 qualifying match.
Subsequently, Turkey suffered a 4-2 defeat in a friendly against Japan.
The Turkish football federation announced its decision to part ways with Mr Kuntz, citing goodwill and professionalism as the basis for the move. The federation expressed gratitude for Kuntz's contributions to the National Football Team and wished him success in his future endeavours in a brief two-line statement.
Kuntz's departure marks the end of a tumultuous year for the former German international and two-time Under-21 European title winner. His appointment a year ago had generated optimism, as he had previously scored nine goals while playing for Istanbul-based side Besiktas during the 1995–96 season. Upon his return to Turkey as head coach, Kuntz described it as "coming home."
However, his tenure was marred by relentless media criticism, primarily stemming from his inability to guide Turkey to their first World Cup appearance since their third-place finish in 2002. In Euro 2024 qualifying, Turkey currently occupies the second spot behind Croatia and holds a world ranking of 41st.
