The head coach summed up two group-stage matches by admitting he had never experienced anything like this in his career: the team managed 65 shots on target across both games without finding the net. Opponents, meanwhile, made the most of the little they were given — and it proved enough.

He flatly rejected any criticism aimed at the players, insisting they performed at the highest level with spirit and determination. Questions about striker selection and substitution timing were dismissed as reductive: in his view, the team created, the team fought, and fate simply was not on their side.

The coach expressed deep regret toward Turkish supporters who had come into the tournament with high expectations, and extended personal thanks to the federation president for unwavering backing throughout. He saved special words for the players, who in his assessment left everything on the pitch.

For him, the scoreline is a poor reflection of what this squad produced over two matches.