Kaan Ayhan: 'Tomorrow, the issue isn't Paraguay, it's us'

The Turkish national football team is gearing up for a crucial match against Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Following their previous game, the team has been intensely focused on improving their performance, as noted by midfielder Kaan Ayhan.

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We saw a team that is concentrating on the Paraguay match after seeing the last 2-3 training sessions. We saw a team that is busy doing better what we couldn't do in the last match and displaying a stronger Turkey on the field. That's why we are eagerly awaiting tomorrow's match. I hope it ends with the score we want. We will dedicate that victory to our nation that supports us.

Ayhan shared that the team's recent training sessions have been dedicated to addressing shortcomings from the last match and showcasing a stronger Turkish presence on the field. "We saw a team that is concentrating on the Paraguay match after seeing the last 2-3 training sessions," Ayhan told reporters. "We saw a team that is busy doing better what we couldn't do in the last match and displaying a stronger Turkey on the field. That's why we are eagerly awaiting tomorrow's match. I hope it ends with the score we want. We will dedicate that victory to our nation that supports us."

The midfielder emphasized the importance of playing with character and bravery against Paraguay. He acknowledged that the World Cup preparation involves navigating various scenarios, including less-than-ideal initial performances. Ayhan stressed that demonstrating the team's quality and resilience is key. "We need to play with our character, bravely," he said. "This is one of the most important issues. We are working for this. I hope we show it on the field."

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We need to play with our character, bravely. This is one of the most important issues. We are working for this. I hope we show it on the field.

Ayhan also analyzed Paraguay's playing style, noting similarities to Australia but anticipating a less physically imposing defense. He highlighted Paraguay's individual technical skills and dangerous attacking players. However, Ayhan remains confident in Turkey's ability to win, provided they play with the motivation and determination they have shown in recent matches. "As long as it's us, especially with the game we've shown in the last 12-13 matches, we have a team that can beat Paraguay too," he stated. "So tomorrow, the issue is not Paraguay, it's us. It's important which motivation, which stance we start the match with. You may not always get the score, but if you show these things, the score will be in our favor."

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As long as it's us, especially with the game we've shown in the last 12-13 matches, we have a team that can beat Paraguay too. So tomorrow, the issue is not Paraguay, it's us. It's important which motivation, which stance we start the match with. You may not always get the score, but if you show these things, the score will be in our favor.