Hamit Altıntop on the national team and Deniz Undav: It's not about names, it's about our country

Former national football player and former Turkish Football Federation board member Hamit Altıntop, who has been living in Los Angeles for the past year, made notable assessments regarding Turkish football. While criticizing the events during the A National Football Team's World Cup process, Altıntop stated that a sense of national consciousness should take precedence over individual names in the national team.

Reminding that he is a father of six, Altıntop stated that he has been spending more time with his family recently; in addition, he has been closely examining sports infrastructure, marketing, communication, and leadership in the US. Emphasizing that he has not moved away from football, Altıntop said, "Football is my life," and expressed that he is working on projects that could be carried out with Turkey in the future.

Altıntop said that for lasting success in Turkish football, the right stakeholders, the right environment, and the right structure are needed. Pointing to the example of Croatia, the former national player expressed that if Turkey could also gather its accumulated experience around a common goal, it could achieve more consistent results. When asked if he had any ambition to become the federation president, he replied, "Under these conditions, no. It could happen if you see respect and love, but I have no desire to force myself upon anyone."

EMPHASIS ON MENTAL DEFICIENCIES IN THE NATIONAL TEAM

Evaluating the A National Team's World Cup performance, Altıntop said he felt some mental deficiencies in the period leading up to the tournament. Stating that it was gratifying to secure a World Cup ticket after 24 years through play-off matches, Altıntop noted that despite this, the way the team left the organization was disappointing.

Altıntop emphasized that players playing in major leagues is not enough on its own, and that the national team jersey requires a sense of representation. "No one here represents themselves, they represent Turkey. Names are not important, our country is important," said Altıntop, adding that egos should have no place in the national team environment.

The experienced football figure stated that in top-level tournaments like the World Cup, the final step is determined more by character than by talent. Drawing attention to the importance of concentration, Altıntop gave an example by asking whether players would turn off their phones for 45 days for a chance at a semi-final or final, and commented, "I might have made them turn off their phones."

Addressing the criticisms regarding head coach Vincenzo Montella, Altıntop said he does not find it right to discuss the issue through individuals. Stating that Montella has seen the European Championship and the World Cup in a short time, Altıntop said, "I don't think the issue is Montella. I believe we have a very good head coach."

CONTACT WAS MADE FOR DENIZ UNDAV

Hamit Altıntop also made a statement regarding Deniz Undav, who chose the German National Team. Stating that he was in contact with Undav during the Stefan Kuntz era, Altıntop conveyed that the player thought differently during the first meeting, believed he had different goals, and said he wanted to proceed in that direction.

Altıntop stated that they approached the process seriously, saying, "Just as we brought in Deniz Gül, Can Uzun, and Aral, we also made an effort for Deniz. Our conscience is very clear on that matter." Stating his belief that efforts to bring Turkish players raised abroad into the national team will continue, Altıntop expressed that there are 4-5 serious candidates on the target list, but these files are individual matters.

Evaluating other teams in the World Cup, Altıntop said that Morocco stood out in terms of passion and unity, France was among the favorites, and Spain and England were teams that could stand out in the tournament. Regarding the Süper Lig, Altıntop stated that the competition needs to become higher quality, and drew attention to the importance of a content-focused football climate instead of fighting and polemics.

News Source: 12punto