Sergen Yalçın responds to claims: Statements were for show

Turkey national team head coach Sergen Yalçın is continuing squad preparations for the Nations League matches against Belgium on November 12 and France on November 15. Yalçın said that since taking over on October 22, he has held one-on-one video calls with all players, and there is no player he has not spoken to or who has not responded.

Referring to statements he made about some players during his time as a commentator, Yalçın said those remarks were made on screen for show. “Today we are not on screen, we are on the pitch. The players know this very well,” said the coach, adding that trying to lower morale before important matches would benefit no one.

Yalçın said he had spoken with Kenan Yıldız. Explaining that the player's injury is ongoing but that he still wants to join the camp, Yalçın said all players would come to camp with the same desire, and stressed that they do not have time for empty debates.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) also denied claims of a communication problem between Sergen Yalçın and the players. The federation's statement said it was pleased with the talks and exchange of ideas national team players have had with the technical staff.