Arda Guler says Kylian Mbappe is “one of the best players in the world” and praised his Real Madrid team-mate as “very humble and honest” before Turkey’s UEFA Nations League match against Belgium.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Guler also rejected the idea that he is carrying an unbearable burden with the national team, saying Turkey’s players share responsibility and have strong faith in one another.
“I don’t feel like I’m under unbearable pressure,” said Guler. “I have talent, and my compatriots, my teammates, and the veterans in the team all believe in me, just as I believe in them.”
The 20-year-old added that Turkey’s progress should not depend solely on his own performances.
“We’re not just relying on Arda to carry the team; everyone is fighting together,” he said. “Sometimes one of us plays better, sometimes another. But we all trust each other very much. I hope we can show that collective effort again tomorrow.”
Turkey have faced France and Italy in their recent matches without securing a victory. Guler believes the team showed enough character in both fixtures to suggest better results are possible.
“Except for the first half against Italy, I think we played with a lot of fighting spirit against France,” he said. “We might have been able to win those games. France is one of the strongest teams.”
He also pointed to Turkey’s response after the interval against Italy as evidence of the team’s resilience.
“If we can play to our full potential, play and fight together as a team, and respond like that, I believe we can achieve good results,” Guler said.
Asked why Turkey have been unable to win, Guler said the team’s difficulties were not necessarily the result of one specific weakness, while acknowledging the quality of their opponents.
“Maybe we aren’t lacking anything, but maybe there are some things we’re not doing right,” he said. “We’re facing very strong opponents, which is why we haven’t won.”
Guler insisted the squad remained united regardless of its results and hoped the match against Belgium would mark a return to winning form.
“We are together when we play well, and we are together when we don’t,” he said. “I hope tomorrow we can play and respond together again, and I hope we can regain our winning momentum.”
Guler was also named Real Madrid Player of the Month, an achievement he said had made him proud. However, he said a Turkey victory would bring him greater satisfaction.
Speaking about Mbappe, Guler said the France captain combined outstanding ability with an equally strong character off the pitch.
“He is excellent on the field and equally upright off it,” said Guler. “We exchanged jerseys after the match, talked about the game, and chatted for a while.”
