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Stefan Kuntz at the European Championship qualifier against Armenia
Photo: MURAD SEZER / REUTERS
After almost two years, Stefan Kuntz is apparently no longer the national football coach of Turkey. According to consistent media reports in Turkey, the association parted ways with the 1996 European champions. As a result, the former U21 coach of the German Football Association (DFB) had to leave after a defeat against Japan, as did national coach Hansi Flick a week ago.
Kuntz was initially unavailable on Sunday. Last Tuesday, the coach had lost 2-4 to the Asians, the German national team had previously lost 1-4. It was Kuntz's fifth defeat with Turkey in his 20th international match.
But the 60-year-old has been criticized for some time. He missed out on the World Cup for Qatar in the play-offs last year, but in qualifying for the European Championships in his home country, he was on course for second place in Group D behind World Cup third-placed Croatia.
Kuntz is considered a candidate for Flick's successor at the DFB. In contrast to the top candidate Julian Nagelsmann or the Dutchman Louis van Gaal, he would be a cheaper solution. Kuntz is a popular figure with knowledge within the association and is appreciated. He led the U21s to two European Championship titles, demonstrating an outstanding knack for talent, even though his 2021 Olympic mission failed in the preliminary round.
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