Low fully respects Turks

Coach relishing challenge

Last updated: 24th June 2008

Low fully respects Turks

Low: Relishing challenge

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Turkey maybe decimated by injuries and suspensions, but Germany boss Joachim Low is certainly not under-estimating his opponents ahead of their Euro 2008 semi-final clash.

The German boss - who has twice coached in Turkey during his career - believes the national side have come on leaps and bounds in the last ten years.

And the Turks have shown their prowess and belief by coming from behind to beat Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Croatia in this tournament.

Low, who coached Fenerbahce for a season a decade ago and then Adanaspor in 2000/01, said: "Of course I am familiar somewhat with Turkish culture and mentality. I know some players, (goalkeeper) Rustu played for Fenerbahce when I worked there, and I know Fatih Terim having talked to him sometimes, and I know Turkish football rather well.

"But this was some years back. I've been away from Turkey for a while and now these are different players.

Developed greatly

"They have a team who are very good technically and over the past few years they have developed greatly. Turkish football has developed greatly as a whole.

"They have very strong runners and very technical players, and they have come up with great performances and have been highly motivated in the tournament."

He added: "I'm of the opinion that in the last 10 years there has been a development in Turkish football. There have been a lot of foreign coaches who have worked in Turkey and the structures have become more professional.

"Maybe 10 years ago they would not have been able to come back in three consecutive matches, but during that time they have become able to do that. I think that is probably the biggest leap in quality they have had.

"They have always been excellent players and it's always been fun for them to play but when they have been down they tended to be demoralised. But they have learnt never to give up and in particular to keep on running. Maybe this was not the same 10 years ago."

Low will have a full-strength squad for the clash and can not wait for the game to get underway.

Special thing

He said: "We're looking forward to the match, it is a very special thing for us to be in the semi-final of this tournament.

"We expect a very exciting and intense match. The Turkish team have shown so far they have very good morale because they have come back three times to win matches and that tells us how strong they are.

"But we have prepared. We had a setback against Croatia but I think we have overcome it well.

"We are free from worries about injured players, we have all our players available for tomorrow and we are greatly confident in our strength going into the match."