Mancini: My team must keep going, qualification will be decided in Belgium

Roberto Mancini has said his team must continue on the same path, and that qualification for the next major tournament will likely be decided in Belgium in November. Speaking after a match against Turkey, the Italian coach praised his opponents despite their defeat, admitted that changing nine players affected fluidity, and stressed that he was happy with the team's collective improvement. He also discussed Vincenzo Montella, Riccardo Calafiori, Vergara, Doumbia, and paid an emotional tribute to Luca Vialli. The following article analyses his remarks from a Vietnamese football perspective. Mancini opened by saying: 'We must continue in this way, and we will see how the November matches go. In all likelihood we will secure qualification in Belgium.' This shows he is focused on the qualifying campaign and believes the decisive moment may come away to Belgium. He did not promise a win, but he made it clear that the team is on the right track. The November international window will be crucial, and Mancini wants his players to keep their concentration. He then admitted that he had changed nine players compared with the previous match. 'Turkey are not that weak despite the loss. We changed nine players, so we lost some fluidity in our play, but we could not have done otherwise because we exerted a lot of effort. It was a very positive match.' This is a candid assessment. Rotation is necessary in a crowded calendar, but it can disrupt rhythm and collective pressing. Mancini did not use it as an excuse; he simply explained why the performance was not perfect. Mancini also praised Turkey. He said they were missing important players, and that the first match, when his team went 3-0 up, was different from this one. 'Tonight, though, it was a balanced match and both teams played well.' His respect for the opponent was clear. In modern football, underestimating a team like Turkey can be costly. They have quality players in Europe and a coach who has improved them. On Vincenzo Montella, Mancini was generous: 'I think Montella has done a wonderful job, because he brought Turkey back to the World Cup and to the top division of the UEFA Nations League. My situation was different from his, because I coached Galatasaray, not the national team.' Mancini knows Turkish football from his time at Galatasaray, but he acknowledged that managing a national team is a different challenge. Pressure, preparation time and player management are all different. Mancini also spoke about collective progress. 'We are happy with the team's collective improvement, regardless of the results. The fact that we are still competing for qualification is already a fine objective.' This reflects his long-term vision. He values the process over short-term results. For a team in transition, building a clear identity is essential. Mancini remains optimistic but realistic. On Riccardo Calafiori, he said: 'Technically and physically, he has not yet reached his mental and intellectual level. He is already a leader, certainly.' This is high praise. Mancini believes Calafiori has leadership and football intelligence beyond his physical and technical development. In modern football, a defender must read the game, organise the back line and help build play. Calafiori has those qualities, but he still needs time. Mancini also mentioned Vergara and Doumbia. 'Vergara needs to play these matches to raise his level. I am confident he will improve a great deal,' he said, adding: 'Doumbia is more advanced than Vergara, because he is already playing in the Champions League.' This shows Mancini assesses each player individually. Doumbia benefits from playing at the highest level, while Vergara needs more opportunities. For Vietnamese football, this is a reminder that young players need competitive minutes and exposure abroad. At the end of the press conference, Mancini was asked whom he missed most compared with his first spell with the national team. 'I missed Luca Vialli,' he replied, drawing applause from the journalists present. Vialli, an Italian football legend, died in 2026. The moment was emotional and showed the human side of the game. It reminded everyone that football is not only about tactics and results, but also about friendship and memory. The original article also included a read-more link: 'A reversal on retirement: Martinez reveals the behind-the-scenes of the final hours with Messi.' This shows that stories around Messi and retirement decisions continue to fascinate fans. Behind-the-scenes details and personal conversations often add a new dimension to football coverage. In conclusion, Mancini's remarks covered qualification goals, rotation, respect for opponents, praise for a fellow coach, individual player development and personal emotion. From a Vietnamese football perspective, the lessons are clear: rotate wisely, respect every opponent, give young players real opportunities, value leadership, and never forget the human element of the game.