13.11.2026 12:14
After the Turkish National Team's 2-1 defeat to Belgium, harsh criticism came from former national footballer Tugay Kerimoğlu. Arguing that it was unclear what the Crescent-Stars were playing on the pitch, Kerimoğlu particularly reacted to Arda Güler having to fight alone. The experienced commentator said that a difficult process also awaited Sergen Yalçın.
After the National Football Team's 2-1 defeat against Belgium, former national footballer and commentator Tugay Kerimoğlu evaluated the team's performance. Arguing that the crescent-star team could not put forward a clear understanding of play, Kerimoğlu used the following statements:
"So, here is the thing: while watching today, I asked myself: What did we play today? What did we play? Do we know that we played anything?"
Questioning the national team's tactical approach on the field, Kerimoğlu stated that it could not be understood whether the ball was left to the opponent, or whether zonal play or a pressing game was preferred.
"THE WORLD CUP HAD A BIG IMPACT"
Also touching on the reasons for the national team's poor run, Kerimoğlu said he thought that what happened at the World Cup left psychological effects on the players.
The experienced commentator used the statements, "I think the reason for this poor run is that the group of players was very far away mentally at the World Cup and could not pull themselves together. They have clearly been very affected by this."
Emphasizing that the players now know each other closely, Kerimoğlu warned that ignoring problems within the team could lead to bigger problems in the period ahead.
"THE BIGGEST DANGER IS PLAYING DISCONNECTED"
Also criticizing the National Football Team's attacking organization, Kerimoğlu stated that the players were not productive enough on the field and that he saw a lack of excitement in the team.
Kerimoğlu drew attention to the problems in attack, saying, "Well, you go on the attack, but your effectiveness in attacking organizations is very low. We have no productivity."
Evaluating the players' image on the field, the former national player warned with the words, "You look at their facial expressions: lifeless, disconnected. Look, this is the biggest danger: playing disconnected. When this starts to reflect on the field, you will experience the biggest of problems."
"WHAT A SHAME, POOR KID!"
The most striking part of Tugay Kerimoğlu's statements was what he said about Arda Güler. Stating that the young star constantly tried to take responsibility, Kerimoğlu emphasized that the entire burden of the team should not be left on Arda's shoulders. Praising the national footballer's fighting character, Kerimoğlu used the following statements:
"He is always searching. He does not disconnect from the game. The desire to win is always on him. We are talking about a character who tries to make both his teammates and the opponent feel that he will not lose by playing in some way."
Arguing that Arda Güler was left alone on the field, Kerimoğlu continued his words as follows:
"But today, only Arda is trying to do something. It's a shame, poor kid. Look, it's truly a shame."
"COACH SERGEN HAS A LOT OF WORK TO DO"
Stating that a difficult process lay ahead for Sergen Yalçın, Kerimoğlu said that a change of head coach could not solve all the problems at once.
"Now, yes, a new head coach came at once and waved his wand, and everything changed—that is not how it works. Even if you had won, I would have said the same thing; when you lose, I am of the same logic. Coach Sergen has a lot of work to do. May God help him."
Drawing attention to the importance of the decisions to be made in the national team in the period ahead, Kerimoğlu stated that squad choices, the game system, and the players' performances were the responsibility of Sergen Yalçın. The experienced commentator concluded his statement with the words, "I cannot know who sits and who plays; the decision-making mechanism is himself, but the path ahead does not seem like a good one."