Tuncay Şanlı calls for support for the National Team

Former national football player Tuncay Şanlı, who traveled from Istanbul to Bodrum, answered questions from members of the press at a restaurant opening. Emphasizing that the excitement of the World Cup is being experienced again after many years, Şanlı stated that the negative atmosphere created after the first match has put pressure on the national team.

"We are in the World Cup after many years"

Reminding that Turkish football has achieved significant successes in the past, Şanlı stated that he believes the current group of players will also achieve important things in the long term.

Şanlı said, "The third-place finish in 2002 and the successes in the European Championships that followed are still in our memories. Now we are back on the World Cup stage. There was a lot of criticism after the first match. But the ones who were most upset were the players themselves. They know how special and talented they are. We know it too. They need to put the first match behind them and show a reaction."

"It can be discussed when they return, now is the time for support"

Stating that the national team players need to be supported morally, Şanlı gave a message of unity in his statements.

Şanlı said, "Our prayers are with them. I think this generation will be successful in the national team for many years. We are in constant communication. However, the dose of criticism needs to be reduced. We shouldn't wear the players down while the tournament is ongoing. Everyone can make their assessments after they return. But today is the time for support. Because they are our children, our brothers," he said.

"The Paraguay match could be a turning point"

Stating that advancing from the group will change the atmosphere of the tournament, Şanlı expressed that the critical threshold is the Paraguay match.

Şanlı stated, "The important thing is to overcome the Paraguay hurdle. We will look at what comes after. As a national team, we have always left a mark in the tournaments we have participated in. We have the strength to do it again. It would not be right to compare 2002 with today. Football has changed, the game has changed. Our only expectation is for them to fight. When they show that fight, they will already make a difference with their talent."