Postponement of Euro 2020 ‘advantage for Turkey’

Turkish defender Merih Demiral believes that the delay of the 2020 European Championships due to the coronavirus pandemic is advantageous for the Turkish national team.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency at Turkey's pre-tournament training camp in Antalya, Juventus defender Demiral said that it was a different and very tiring season for him in Italy.

Referring to Juventus' performance during the 2020-2021 season, he stated that "we finished [the season] well. We won a cup [Coppa Italia] and qualified for the Champions League in the last game. We are very happy to join the national team; we were waiting for this moment."

The 23-year-old player seeks to be well-prepared for the tournament during the training camp in Antalya.
Stating that the postponement of Euro 2020 is an advantage for the national team, Demiral recalled that Turkey had three or four injured players last year ahead of the event, which was supposed to take place from June 12 to July 12, 2020, before it was delayed.

"So, I can say that the postponement of the tournament last year was good for us," he said. "I can say for myself that I am much better prepared."

Demiral said that the players fight for each other on the field.

"There is a very good national team that reached great success. I hope we will be successful in the upcoming period."

Turkey plays the opening game of the tournament against Italy on June 11.

"It will be the most special match for us," Demiral said. "We were joking a lot with my teammates [from Juventus] Bonucci and Chiellini in the dressing room."

The defender added that he showed his teammates the goals of Turkish forward Burak Yılmaz, who led Lille to the French league.

"I hope we will compete well and have a...