Under-21 national team’s striker Erencan Yardımcı expressed his determination to make it to the A National Team. He stated that he is working hard to get more playing time with his new team, Sturm Graz, and expressed his desire to compete against top teams in the UEFA Champions League.
Reflecting on the Under-21 national team’s recent match against Latvia, Yardımcı shared, “We knew it would be tough. Latvia had also played defensively in the first match. They were stalling the game to end it in a draw. We struggled a bit when we couldn’t create goal opportunities. Scoring early was beneficial, and we built on that. This is our last camp as the 2002-2003 generation. We want to finish with a win and will focus on the final match against Norway.”
‘Gokhan Hoca Has a Plan’
When asked about the changes with the arrival of new head coach Gokhan Gonul, the 22-year-old player mentioned, “Under Levent hoca, we played with high pressing and transition football. Gokhan hoca has a game plan that focuses more on ball possession and building play from the back. There’s a system change that won’t be easy to adapt to, but the next tournament is a year away. I believe the next generation will adapt to this. We haven’t been to the European Championship with the U21 since 2000. I hope this drought ends, and the next generation makes it to the European Championship.”
‘I’m Doing Everything I Can to Join the A National Team’
In response to the reminder that A National Team head coach Vincenzo Montella is using a system without a striker, and considering his position as a candidate for the A National Team, Erencan stated, “The coach in the A National Team uses a system without a striker. My position is a center forward, so I can’t play anywhere else. There are very good strikers in the A National Team. If the opportunity arises, I believe they will be very successful as well. I’m doing everything I can to get there, and I hope to make it.”
Morning and Evening Double Training Sessions
On how his time with the Austrian team Sturm Graz has been going, Yardımcı responded, “I haven’t had much chance to experience the city of Graz. Usually, we have double training sessions in the morning and evening. I rest at home after training. I have an English teacher, and I’m trying to learn English. I want to adapt to the country and perform as soon as possible. I need to adapt to the change in country. The style of football is different. There is a different system and culture. The initial phase will be challenging, but I think I’ll adapt quickly, and I hope so.”
‘I Played 3 Minutes at Galatasaray’
The 22-year-old striker shared his personal goals for this season: “I want to get more playing time in the team. We’re playing in the Champions League. I want to compete against big teams like Atalanta, Dortmund, and Leipzig. I don’t have a specific goal for scoring; I just want to play as much as I can and contribute to the score. I hope it goes that way. The Champions League is one of Europe’s biggest platforms. I previously played just 3 minutes at Galatasaray. Playing against the best defenders and midfielders is a different experience. I’m very happy to have had this experience; it’s a proud feeling.”
