Portugal head coach Martinez on Turkey: We need to watch out for Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız

Speaking at a press conference held at the BVB Dortmund Stadium, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez said, "Turkey is a very tough opponent. The Czechia match was not what we expected; I did not expect them to sit back that much. Actually, what mattered was how we needed to play. We took control of the pitch and had more possession of the ball. However, the Turkey match will be very different from the Czechia one. The two teams have very different approaches to the game.

Turkey is a team that has gone through a youth revolution, runs a lot, and fights hard. They also have an experienced player with a special character like Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Montella has really built a very good system and has prepared his players for their organization on the pitch."

TURKEY SHOWED THEY ARE GOOD AT BOTH ATTACKING AND DEFENDING

"Turkey will play compactly. We need to be very smart," Martinez said, adding, "We need to keep the match balanced. They showed how strong they are in the Georgia match. But we have analyzed one of their weaknesses well; their defensive measures might be a bit softer compared to Czechia. But Turkey has shown that they are good at both attacking and defending.

COMMENTS ON ARDA AND KENAN

Seeing their organization on the pitch, we know it will be a very difficult match. We need to be careful when talents like Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız come into play. Arda Güler has done very good work in recent years. Montella has also built a great team and gave Arda the jersey by calling him up to the national team. Kenan Yıldız is another example. Both players will be very important for the national team's strong performance," he stated.

RONALDO AND PEPE ARE INCREDIBLE PLAYERS

Highlighting the great importance of experienced players Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe to the team, Martinez said, "Looking at the shots on target in the Czechia match, Ronaldo was our hardest-working player. Not just in matches, but in training as well. He is an incredibly hardworking player who runs in every area. He also helps his teammates on the pitch.

Other teammates also benefit from the spaces he creates. Even though he is very dangerous inside the box, the more important thing is to get close to the goal. Every one of our players needs to fight as much as Cristiano. Pepe is also incredibly experienced. He was born as a defender. He is a very effective player not only at the back but also going forward," he said.

News Source: AA