Kerem Aktürkoğlu: A match that will determine the results in the group

The A National Football Team will face Georgia in Kocaeli tomorrow at 21:45 in the 4th match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers Group E. National football player Kerem Aktürkoğlu made statements at a press conference held at Kocaeli Stadium, where the match will take place, alongside Head Coach Vincenzo Montella. Emphasizing the importance of the Georgia match, Aktürkoğlu said, "Both teams know the importance of the match very well. We see it as a final match. Georgia thinks the same way. It is an important and meaningful match. It is a match that could determine the results in the group. If we win, it is a match where our chances for the play-offs will be much higher. We are one hundred percent focused and motivated. We have done our work in light of the importance of this match. I hope we will reflect this on the pitch tomorrow," he said.

"THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS"

Stating that the atmosphere of friendship in the team is very good, Aktürkoğlu said, "With the new generation, the atmosphere, planning, and everything in the national team is very good. The friendship is very good. There are no problems. There is a very nice atmosphere within the team. This is reflected on the pitch. I think we have been progressing very well, with the exception of the Spain match. This reflects how true and real the friendship inside is," he said.

"CAN'S TIME WILL ALSO COME"

Responding to a question about the criticisms regarding him playing instead of Can Uzun, Kerem Aktürkoğlu said, "I asked the coach on the journey here if such a question would come. I thought it would most likely come. It is not about Can, let there be no misunderstanding, it is about me playing as a forward. I am satisfied. If I am going to help my team, I will even play in defense. What matters is the flag. It does not matter what position we play in. I am trying to contribute to the team as much as I can. I think I have done a good job in this process as well. Since our coach arrived, I have scored 10 goals and provided 2 assists. I think it is a good statistic. It is also a good statistic for the team. My coach is also satisfied. As for Can; he is a very talented player, our brother. Of course, his time will also come. He will play in our place too. No one's spot is guaranteed. Can's future is also very bright. Of course, the decisions are our coach's. We will all help our coach in terms of performance and character," he stated.

"MY STANCE ON GAZA IS CLEAR"

Regarding the donation of ticket revenues to Palestine, he said, "My stance on this issue is clear. I did not know about this issue, I learned it here. We thank both our president and our federation very much for such a thought. We all need to do whatever we can without discriminating between people. This will be a start. I hope we can also bring it to an end," he said.

"A GREAT HAPPINESS FOR ME"

Stating that it is a great happiness for him and Merih Demiral to play a national match in their hometown, the national athlete said, "When they arrived, I said, 'Welcome.' I am the host. This is my city, my hometown. I watched many matches here, at the old stadium, İsmetpaşa. But I had never played in this stadium. Our team had played a friendly match, but I had watched it. Playing in my own city is a great happiness for me. In previous years, Merih and I had pressured a lot for us to play in Kocaeli. It was destined for this time. Kocaeli is a true football city. The national team had played a special match once, but this will be the first time an official match is played. It will be an important match for Kocaeli, as well as for me and Merih. I hope we win. If I score a goal, of course, I would be even happier. But what matters is that we win. It is a very important match for us. I hope there will be a very good atmosphere tomorrow with the magnificent fans. We all believe in this. I hope we will reciprocate this with good football and a beautiful victory," he said.

Responding to a question about the allegation that Georgian fans were obstructed by Turkish fans, the 26-year-old footballer said, "In every country, there should be an environment where only football is talked about. We wish for a match where our fans only support their teams and focus on the team. I did not know that such a thing happened. If we approach it more calmly and just focus on our match, we will not encounter such things," he replied.

"IT WILL BE DIFFICULT"

Finally, national football player Kerem Aktürkoğlu said, "The story of every match is different. I cannot comment on the matches from previous years. The 2 matches we played against Georgia were very difficult. We did not play easy matches. Tomorrow will also be difficult. We have prepared accordingly. We will give our struggle accordingly," he noted.