Arda Turan, who has been linked with the head coach job of Türkiye's senior national football team, reportedly said of the possible post: "My club wouldn't want me to leave, and I won't walk out halfway while there is a war." According to NTV, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) told Turan he could coach the national team while continuing in his role at Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Sabah newspaper, meanwhile, reported that Arda Turan had arrived in Istanbul and would meet TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu. The TFF has not yet made an official statement on the matter.
Montella's future in question

The Italian coach's future came into question after the national team under Vincenzo Montella was knocked out in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup and posted poor results in the UEFA Nations League. Italian media reports on Oct. 7 claimed the federation was considering Arda Turan as Montella's replacement.
Turan, who has coached Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk since summer 2025, is under contract with the club until summer 2027. A longtime captain of the national team in his playing days, Turan is leading the team under wartime conditions in Ukraine.