Turkey end cooperation with men's national team coach Kuntz after poor run

On Monday, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) had denied a report by the Demiroren News Agency that Kuntz' contract would be terminated after the manager criticised his players following a 4-2 friendly loss to Japan. It had said Kuntz was invited to a meeting with TFF officials on Wednesday.

The TFF said in a statement that it had agreed to part ways with Kuntz after the meeting "within the framework of goodwill and professionalism", and thanked him for his work.

Following the loss to Japan, Kuntz responded to fans' calls for his resignation by saying his players needed to work harder and that he should not take all the blame and added his players were not putting in their best performance.

Former Germany striker Kuntz, who also played for Besiktas, was appointed Turkey coach in September 2021 after leading the German Under-21 team to the European title in 2017 and 2021.

Turkey have won 12 of Kuntz's 20 matches in charge, drawn three and lost five.

The TFF did not say who would helm the team for the October 12 Euro 2024 qualifier against Croatia.