Disappointed, satisfied and impressed: the night after his debut as national coach of Turkey, Stefan Kuntz had a wide range of emotions to process.
The 1: 1 (1: 1) on late Friday evening in Istanbul against a Norwegian who was strong even without star striker Erling Haaland was too little for the hosts.
Qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has moved into the distance for the Turks.
The third place in the 2002 World Cup can no longer compete on his own.
“We're a little bit disappointed,” admitted Kuntz. In Group G, the Netherlands lead with 16 points ahead of Norway (14) and Turkey (12). Only the first in the group qualifies directly, the second plays in the playoffs for participation in the World Cup. With a home win, the Turks would have displaced the Scandinavians in third place.
“We would have loved to give our Turkish fans and everyone else a win to let this plant of hope grow a little faster.
It's a bit small now, ”said the former German U-21 national coach.
Now you have to win all the following games, emphasized Kuntz, so that you will be ready when the door to qualification opens again.
On Monday in Riga, his selection against Latvia is facing the next challenge, because the Balts fought bravely on Friday in a 0: 1 against the big favorites Netherlands.
Passionate about players and fans
Kuntz signed his contract as Turkey coach just three weeks ago.
The expectations of the successful coach, who led the German U21s to the European Championship twice, were and are huge.
But the 58-year-old looked relaxed despite the pressure.
Even when a Turkish journalist asked how much responsibility he saw the coach for the situation.
Kuntz replied calmly that he had done his job as well as he could in the short time.
His players should make better use of scoring opportunities.
The team also lacks conviction and self-confidence, explained Kuntz.
Nevertheless, he is satisfied with their performance, because the team “gave everything from my point of view”.
That's exactly what he asked the team to do with all their hearts.
The fans were there with all their heart and soul.
They tirelessly cheered on their team in the Fenerbahce Istanbul stadium with chants and drums.
Kuntz was impressed by this.
That was "very exciting".
Although the stadium was only half full due to the corona protective measures, you had the feeling of playing in front of full stands.
"That's what a trainer wants."
Turkey started highly motivated in Istanbul.
This was rewarded with an early lead: After a mistake by Andreas Hanche-Olsen, Cengiz Ünder reacted quickly and served Kerem Aktürkoglu, who only had to insert (6th minute).
Then the hosts gave the game more and more out of hand.
On the other hand, the Norwegians Kristian Thorstvedt (41st) equalized according to a standard.
Kuntz analyzed that his team started well, but then lost control of the game. Norway occupied the rooms well and presented the Turkish team with difficulties. A columnist for the daily newspaper “Hürriyet” said: “In the first 15 minutes, with the support of the audience, there was enthusiasm and pressure to move forward, but what did we do afterwards in the name of football? Nothing. ”Other media were also disappointed. "The German vaccine did not work," wrote Fanatik. Hürriyet said: "We missed a great opportunity." For Aksam Spor all dreams of the World Cup have already "burst".
But Kuntz could not be deprived of his confidence after the roller coaster of emotions.
He feared that it might take a while before the team found their way, said Kuntz and promised: "We will find our own Turkish style."