04.09.2025 15:25
The head coach of the Turkish National Team, Vincenzo Montella, and star footballer Merih Demiral made statements before the match against Georgia. Merih responded to a question from a Georgian journalist who asked, "There seems to be some tension between the two national players. How is your morale?" by saying, "They might imagine it that way, but we have no issues at all."
The Turkish National Football Team will face Georgia away tomorrow in the first match of Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers. Head coach Vincenzo Montella and player Merih Demiral made statements at a press conference held at the Boris Paichadze National Stadium in the capital city of Tbilisi.
"WE ARE READY"
Montella stated that they are ready for the tough match, saying, "Georgia is a national team that has developed significantly in recent years, a team we respect. They are a team that, like us, makes their nation proud in the European Championship. I know it will be a tough match, but we are ready; we have worked well. When we step onto the field to achieve the result we want, we will do everything we can." he expressed.
In response to a question from a Georgian journalist, "In which position will you assign Arda Güler?" Montella replied, "I have watched all of Arda's matches this year. I have not only seen him play in midfield; we have also seen him in different positions such as behind the striker and in midfield. He is a player who can see all areas and play anywhere. Every match has its own story. When he plays in his club, he makes decisions based on the characteristics of his teammates around him. Therefore, he also has the ability to play in different positions."
"COMPETITION ALWAYS HAS A POSITIVE EFFECT"
When reminded that the attacking players are in good form, Montella said, "Competition always has a positive effect; you are competing for your highest goals. You can be worried if you don't have in-form players. This reflects the value of the team. The value of a team consists of players who can come into the game later and contribute. If all the players can act together and those who come into the game later have the capacity to change the match, there is no need to worry."
The Italian coach responded to the question, "Georgia's head coach Sagnol said, 'The match against Turkey is our first but most important match in the group.' Do you think the same way?" by saying, "Undoubtedly, from my perspective, it is our most important match. I mentioned this in the European Championship as well; I said it would be a very tough opponent, and almost everyone except us was underestimating them. We know how important an opponent they are, and we have prepared accordingly. We will be on the field to achieve the result we want."
"EVERY MATCH HAS A DIFFERENT STORY"
Montella stated that they know there will be an enthusiastic atmosphere in the stadium tomorrow, saying, "We all know there will be a warm atmosphere in this stadium; those who came from our team have also watched the matches. Every match has a different story; they may play differently, perhaps like in the European Championship. We have prepared for all variations. We will be on the field to achieve the result we want tomorrow."
"WE ARE NOT AFRAID OF ANYONE"
Evaluating the match, national football player Merih Demiral emphasized their confidence before the Georgia match, saying, "We are ready. We have done our training. Everything is going well. Georgia has very important players, but we are not afraid of anyone. We know ourselves; therefore, I think we will give the best response on the field."
When reminded of the match where they defeated Georgia in the first match of the 2024 European Championship and asked whether they would advance from the group, Demiral said, "The Georgia match is very important. We are aware of that. It is one of the most important matches in the group, and we want to start with a victory. Georgia has improved since the time we played against them in the European Championship. We have also made progress since then. We are quite ready; everything is going well. We have done our training. We are very focused. Hopefully, we will represent our country in the best way in the match."
"WE HAVE NO PROBLEMS"
In response to a question from a Georgian journalist, "There seems to be a problem between two national football players. How is your morale?" Merih replied, "They probably imagine it that way, but we have no problems. Our morale is quite good; we are very happy, very ready, and I am sure we will show that tomorrow."
Merih Demiral, stating that their morale is in very good condition, continued:
"Everyone in the team is very happy. We all get along very well. We are all very happy to be here. That’s why we are making the best of it. We are very ready. We are having a lot of fun being together. Being together under the national jersey is a great chance for all of us. We are all aware of that. We will give the best response on the field. We are quite ready."
"GROUP LEADERS ARE NOT FAR AWAY"
When asked to comment on the other teams in Group E, Merih Demiral said, "We are ready for every possibility. We want to take it match by match. My teammates feel the same way. Everyone is motivated. We have a chance to qualify for the World Cup after many years. We are very close to that. We want to make the best of it. Leadership is not far away either. There is also a chance for second place. We want to take it match by match; hopefully, we will start in the best way tomorrow and finish the group in the best way."