Hatayspor Manager Volkan Demirel: You may not like me, but love Hatay

Hatayspor Manager Volkan Demirel made statements at the club's facilities in Hatay on the anniversary of the February 6 earthquakes.

In addition to the club's board of directors, some players also attended the meeting.

Stating that the pain is still fresh, Volkan Demirel wished mercy upon those who lost their lives and offered his condolences to their relatives.

"We will always remember them and we will always feel them in our bodies," Demirel said, adding, "I will do whatever I can for this club and the earthquake survivors. My game is different. This year is Hatayspor's season of being a beacon of hope. That is my thought."

"GETTING 3 POINTS IS NOT IMPORTANT AT ALL"

Stating that their primary goal is to be able to help the earthquake survivors, Demirel said, "Because I want to help the people here. We are going through a very difficult process. The people here have lost their past, their future, their plans, their families, and their children. We are only thinking about how we can help these people. How can we keep them on the agenda? We are thinking about these things. Today, going out onto the pitch and getting 3 points is not important at all. I want you to grasp this. I think we have been a source of hope for people this year. I saw this during the walk at night as well. Seeing earthquake survivors trying to kiss my hand when they see me, seeing that I can touch people's lives—that is the greatest success for me," he said.

"YOU MAY NOT LIKE ME, LOVE HATAY"

Addressing sports fans, Demirel said, "You may not like me, you may not like the management. But love Hatay, love Hatayspor. We are competing in this league with impossibilities. Do not ask, 'Why isn't Hatayspor coming here?' Because the conditions are not suitable for that. We were supposed to go to Akhisar, but we went to Mersin because we wanted to be close to you. At least come to our matches to get a little bit away from the environment here. Please look after the people of Hatay. Those who have not experienced what we have lived through cannot know. Let us represent Hatayspor all together," he said.

"THERE IS NO NEED FOR A STATUE, I DO NOT WANT AN AWARD"

Responding to a journalist's suggestion that "a statue of you should be erected," Demirel said, "There is no need for a statue. I did something that any human being could do. I do not want an award. My only goal is to be able to take people away from this environment for 90 minutes. It is uncertain whether we will make transfers. We have people we are researching. What is important is the economic level we have brought the club to. This club currently has no debt to any player or bank," he said.