Turkish National Football Team head coach Stefan Kuntz dismissed

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – After two years on the job, Stefan Kuntz, head coach of the Turkish National Football Team, was dismissed on Wednesday, the country's football authority announced.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) board met with Kuntz, a German national, earlier Wednesday to agree to part ways with him as part of "goodwill and professionalism," the TFF said.

The federation added that it thanked Kuntz for his contributions and service for Türkiye, and wished him the best in the rest of his career.

Kuntz, 60, a former forward in Germany and for Istanbul powerhouse Besiktas, was hired by Türkiye in September 2021.

In the Kuntz era, Türkiye played 20 matches to take 12 wins and five losses. The remaining three games were ties.

During his tenure, Türkiye scored 46 goals but conceded 26 others.

Kuntz’s departure follows an unexpected 1-1 home draw with Armenia in a UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group match on Sept. 8, and a 4-2 loss to Japan last week in a friendly match.

With 10 points, Türkiye is second in the EURO 2024 qualifying Group D, behind Croatia, which also has 10.

In its next fixture on Oct. 12, Türkiye will visit Osijek, Croatia, a critical game which is likely to shape the top of the group.

Croatia, who have a game in hand, won the first match 2-0 in Bursa in March as midfielder Mateo Kovacic scored double to upset Türkiye.