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Exclusive interview with the coach of the Turkish national football team about his expectations from the European Championship in Baku

Author:

15.12.2019

Baku is going to host the final stage of the 2020 European Championship, namely the three games of Group A between the teams of Italy, Turkey, Switzerland, as well as one game of the quarter-finals. Fans in Baku will not be able to watch the game of the Italian team, which will take place in Rome, but the games of the Turkish national team against Wales and Switzerland.

During the recent visit of the head coach of the Turkish national team, Senol Gunes, to Baku, he visited the Baku Olympic Stadium (BOS), where the national team will hold the games. The 67-year-old specialist took an interest in the preparation process for Euro 2020 and the state of the stadium.

In the opening match of Euro 2020, the national teams of Turkey and Italy will meet at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. On June 13, a game between the national teams of Wales and Switzerland will take place at the Baku Olympic Stadium. The matches between Turkey and Wales, as well as the one between Turkey and Switzerland will take place in Baku on June 17 and 21, respectively.

During his visit, Senol Gunes talked with us about preparations for Euro 2020.

"Senol-bey, it is very nice to see you in Baku. What does it mean for the Turkish team to play in Baku?"

"I am extremely glad that I am in Azerbaijan. As far as I know, you also wanted the games of the Turkish national team to take place in Baku. It will certainly give us some advantage. Turkey will play at home. We believe that fans in Baku will support us. Unfortunately, the Azerbaijani team is not participating in the championship. At Euro 2020, we will represent both Turkey and Azerbaijan."

"Did you choose the hotel where the team will stay?"

"All teams will have excellent conditions in Baku. I could stay in Baku no longer than 8-9 hours. We visited the hotels where the teams will be accommodated, the Baku Olympic Stadium, as well as the training stadiums. It is necessary to consult with my assistants, as well as with the national team. In two weeks, I will come to Baku again. We want to make the right choice, as we need to choose a stadium for training. The hotel where the team will stay is extremely important. All this is difficult to do right away. At the same time, it is necessary to discuss issues of food supply and security. Baku is very fond of us. But I would like to ensure a calm atmosphere for the team during the preparation period."

"Baku Olympic Stadium can accommodate more than 68 thousand fans. How many people will support the Turkish team in the matches?"

"Turkey and Azerbaijan are also neighbouring countries. It is very easy to come here. There is a visa-free regime between the countries. In addition, many Turks live and work in Baku. Our brothers are also very fond of our team. Each national team will get about 20,000 tickets for group matches. I think our games will be supported by 30-40 thousand of our fans. Azerbaijani brothers will help us feel at home. We just have to please them with a good result."

"Italy, Wales, Switzerland and Turkey. What are the chances of your team in this group?"

"We are in a fairly strong group. Italy will host the games in Rome. So, it will be difficult to get points there. Wales also has a strong team, as well as Switzerland. In Baku, we must achieve maximum results and leave the group together with Azerbaijan. Euro 2020 is very important for both states."

"What problems do you expect during the championship?"

"Our first game will be held in Rome. We are going to have a long flight from Italy to Azerbaijan. That is why I must discuss in detail the whole trip. After a long flight to Baku, the players may become tired. Each game will make a huge difference. We have to get points from Italy. Then we will be comfortable playing in Baku. Some difficulties may arise when the team will have to play in two countries within a short period of time. Perhaps we will hold training camps in one of them."

"It is interesting to know your opinion about the stadium..."

"Baku Olympic Stadium is huge and meets all modern standards. I know that the Europa League final took place there. I also visited the Tofig Bakhramov Stadium and Bakcell Arena. The stadiums are in good condition. We will make a choice before the end of the year. I got acquainted with the distances between stadiums and hotels. There are hotels in Baku on the seashore. I think there will be no difficulties in this regard."

"How will the Turkish national team prepare for Euro 2020?"

"It would be nice to have a friendly game before the European Championship. But it is too early to talk about that now. After the completion of the national championships, football players are tired, you cannot overload them. We must be extremely careful for possible injuries. At the European Championships, each team tries to demonstrate the best qualities. Playing in Baku is an additional motivation for us. But sometimes such factors also cause excessive tension and pressure."

"What are your goals?"

"We are advancing step by step. First, the Turkish team was to ensure participation in the European Championship. Another goal is to leave the group. Then we can think about the playoffs."

"We wish you success in the European Championship. What would you like to say to your fans in Azerbaijan?"

"Thank you for support. I would ask the fans to buy tickets. Buy and wait for us. We will try to leave the group. Azerbaijani and Turkish fans will help our team to achieve our goal."



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