Avci talks up Turkey

By Türker Tozar

When Turkey prepared to stage UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite round Group 6, coach Abdullah Avci declared: "We believe we will top the group."

Perfect record
It was a tall order, with holders France among the opposition. But on Matchday 1, Caner Ergin gave Turkey a 1-0 win against the reigning champions, and Scotland and Azerbaijan were then defeated as Avci's side finished the pool a maximum six points clear.

Smooth progress
Now, as Avci readies himself for the start of their finals campaign - in Italy on 3 May against the hosts - the coach admits his surprise at just how smooth their progress was. "Looking back to the Elite round, we thought France would really challenge us - a side we had never beaten in a competitive youth international," he told uefa.com. "However, we did not allow them a glimpse of goal for the first hour, and although the last 20 minutes were really tough, we won 1-0."

Unbeaten run
Avci took over in October, having been head of youth development at Galatasaray SK, and is unbeaten in six qualifiers and five friendlies - including a victory against the Italians. Turkey also overcame Armenia and drew with Wales and the Netherlands in a tough qualifying round Group 9.

First mission
"When I was appointed, the old coaching staff gave me a 24-man list," he explained. "I had worked with the Istanbulspor AS and Galatasaray youth departments, so had plenty of knowledge of the players available. The qualifying round in the Netherlands came quickly and I had to rely on the existing squad.

Problems identified
"Therefore we had two missions - one to compete and the second to see what the squad lacked. We topped the group but lacked some players in various positions, in addition to some problems with fitness and team play. We were then able to work on them before the Elite round."

Squad improved
To that end, they played a series of friendlies, defeating Italy 3-1 in Istanbul, drawing 2-2 and winning 2-0 in a two-match series against Ukraine, and overcoming the Czech Republic 3-0 and 5-3 - in that time adding five newcomers to the squad. "They are talented players but they had trouble playing team football," Avci said. "We have worked on that and have really developed. Now we have 18 players who display professionalism and ambition."

Finals test
Turkey will need to hit the ground running in Italy - after the hosts, they play England and Belarus in Group A. Avci, though, is more than a little confident, saying: "On paper, our group looks like a league of champions, but England and Italy have not done great things at this age level.

Belarus danger
"I know Italy from the friendly we played last November. Last month I watched Belarus against Bulgaria. Belarus could be dark horses - indeed between Belarus and Italy, I would favour Belarus because they have physical power and play good team football. I have yet to fully assess England but I can say that my side are better than the rest!"

Avci's targets
However, he added: "Our primary target is training players for the senior team, and as quickly as possible. It is not possible to open the way for all 18 players, but if we could give two or three to that side, I would consider myself successful. On the other hand, results are also important."