Terim sets out Turkey vision

It has been eight long years since Turkey made waves at UEFA EURO 2008 and, as an entire nation awaits their comeback, coach Fatih Terim is determined to see his side keep their place at Europe's top table.

"Turkey should qualify for European Championships and World Cups on a constant basis – for me, that's more important than the results in any single tournament," he told UEFA.com. "Being here is already a success story and when you're always here, eventually you go further.

"I don't want to see these tournaments without Turkey. That's the criteria of success for me."

Turkey kick off their UEFA EURO 2016 campaign against Croatia on Sunday, in a rematch of their unforgettable quarter-final in 2008, when Terim's men prevailed on penalties after responding to a late extra-time goal with an even later effort. The 62-year-old is expecting another stern test.

"Of course the current Croatia team is a lot different to that one," he said. "That was a good team as well, but today many members of the side are playing for bigger teams – Real Madrid, Inter, Juventus, Barcelona.

"We beat them that time and then they beat us in the [UEFA EURO 2012] play-offs. That's how life goes. We will face a very serious and respectable team. And they can go places if they can qualify from the group."

The same applies to Turkey, Terim believes, but he is conscious too that his charges must cope with high expectations. After the "fairytale-like 2008 tournament", supporters are hoping the current crop can match their predecessors and reach the semi-finals – at least.

"Expectations are always high when it comes to me, but I'm used to it and have almost always lived up to them," said Terim. "You need to take these tournaments step by step. First, let's get out of this group if we can.

"Then, after surviving a group with Spain, Czech Republic and Croatia, I feel Turkey should climb much higher."

For that, the former Galatasaray boss will need to get the best out of his young squad, with 20 of his 23 players currently awaiting their first major tournament experience. Turkey have one of the youngest travelling parties in France, yet they have suffered just one defeat in their past 16 games.

"The habit of winning is really important, especially for countries like us," said Terim, who is leading Turkey into his third UEFA European Championship. "Tournaments are something else, however. They're not like qualifying, so we need to take our game to the next level."