Turkey boss Fatih Terim has admitted he would be happy with a draw against Spain on Friday night.
The countries clash in Group D of Euro 2016 and the Turks desperately need to take something from the game in Nice, after going down 1-0 to Croatia in their opening match.
Asked if he would be pleased to take anything off the reigning European champions, Terim was unequivocal in his response.
“Yes, totally. In these championships the priority is to stay in the tournament and if we draw we still have a good chance. It would be a good result for us,” he told a Press conference.
“We prefer not to sit back but sometimes Spain force you to do that. That’s a fact and you must acknowledge it because they are one of the best teams in the world.
“But the game is played on the pitch and we’ll do our best to impose our style. That said, they will be very difficult opponents.”
Terim believes it is not important for his players to think of the pressure they will be under to perform following the disappointment of the Croatia match.
“This sport is a team game and usually the Coach takes the responsibility when the team doesn’t play as expected. I don’t want the responsibility to fall on any player. Any achievements should be shared.
“It is not good that one player has full responsibility, so I won’t single out anybody individually. It is not good to criticise just one person.”
The 62-year-old confirmed he would be making changes for the Spain game, although not too many, and spoke of the criticism his team have received back home.
“I’m not saying there will be a revolution but perhaps I will make some changes. In our country they have spoken about us a little ugly, but when you lose everything is over-dramatized and they invent stories.
“We made the country very happy with 15 games unbeaten, but the way in which some have taken one defeat…they have come out of their caves and it has had a negative impact on us, so that’s a problem
“We always get criticised when we lose but when it’s done in such an unpleasant way…they should respect us a little more. However, I have every confidence in my players,” he affirmed.
