Following a fourth-place finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics and a quarterfinal exit in the VNL, the Turkish Volleyball Federation and Italian coach Daniele Santarelli are at a pivotal juncture. Their initial 2+4-year contract is at its midpoint. While the 2-year term has been completed, the decision to proceed with the 4-year extension is still pending, according to some reports from Turkish media.
Santarelli, who took the helm of Turkey’s national women’s volleyball team in early 2023, led them to impressive victories, including gold at the 2023 Nations League and the European Championship. However, recent performances have prompted a reevaluation of their partnership. With Turkey’s history of rapid coaching changes, including the recent dismissal of French coach Cedrik Enard from the men’s team, the final decision on Santarelli’s future is eagerly awaited. The coming days will reveal whether the collaboration will continue or come to an end.
