Eren Elmalı's World Cup confession: 'If everything had gone as we wanted...'

Galatasaray player Eren Elmalı has shared his thoughts on the team's current progress and his personal journey with the club. Speaking on Tivibu Spor, Elmalı noted that while the team joined the training camp late due to national team commitments, the preparations are going well. He emphasized the importance of strong starts to the season for teams with high ambitions, expressing a desire to begin the season effectively and achieve their goals.

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We joined the camp a little late due to the national team, but so far everything is going well. For teams with goals, with big goals, such starts to the season are very important. It's going well for us. We want to start the season well and reach our goals.

Reflecting on his transfer to Galatasaray, Elmalı conveyed his excitement and current happiness. "When these rumors first emerged, I was excited. I wanted to come here. Such a process occurred. I came here and I am very happy," he said. He values the people he has met and the championship titles he has won, hoping this success continues.

Elmalı also discussed the competition within the team, particularly for the left-back position. He believes there is a strong rotation of talented players with good character, and this competitive environment positively impacts the team. He hopes this strong rotation continues for many years.

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When these rumors first emerged, I was excited. I wanted to come here. Such a process occurred. I came here and I am very happy. I am very happy here, I met good people, I won championships. I hope it continues like this.

When asked about the most challenging player he has faced, Elmalı cited Atlético Madrid's Simeone during a Champions League match, describing the team's demanding style. He also spoke highly of teammate Uğurcan Çakır, calling him a "role model" for his footballing qualities.

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I can say Simeone from Atlético Madrid in the Champions League match. Atlético Madrid is such a team. I was very tired after that match. He follows me up front, he follows me behind. I can say Simeone.

Looking back at the 2026 FIFA World Cup performance, Elmalı expressed deep disappointment. "We went with great enthusiasm, we went to achieve great things. But our elimination... We were very upset. June 19 was one of the worst nights for us," he recalled. He acknowledged that the team couldn't perform as they wished and that the failure remains a "thorn in our side." He also mentioned the challenges of adapting to the heat and time difference during their time in America for the qualifiers.

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Uğurcan Çakır is a very important person to me. He is a complete role model for me. There is nothing to say about his football, his quality. He suits Galatasaray very well.