Arda Güler Backs Türkiye’s Collective Strength Before Belgium Nations League Clash
Arda Güler says Türkiye are ready to respond as they prepare to face Belgium in a crucial UEFA Nations League A1 match. The Real Madrid midfielder dismissed the idea that expectations surrounding him are a burden, insisting that the team’s prospects depend on a united performance rather than one player taking responsibility alone.
Türkiye travel to Liège after losing their first two home fixtures of the group campaign, against France and Italy in September. Vincenzo Montella’s side are still seeking their opening points, making the encounter at Stade Maurice Dufrasne an important opportunity to get their Nations League campaign moving.
Speaking before the match, Güler said he was comfortable with the pressure that comes with representing his country. He pointed to the trust between himself and his teammates as a key part of Türkiye’s approach.
“I don’t believe there is any pressure I cannot handle,” Güler said. “I have talent, my teammates trust me, and I trust them. We fight together and believe in each other.”
The midfielder also rejected the suggestion that Türkiye rely on him to produce a decisive moment. In his view, responsibility is shared across the squad, and different players can step forward at different times.
“There is never an attitude that ‘only Arda should do something’,” he explained. “Sometimes one of us performs better, sometimes another. We know what needs to be done on the pitch tomorrow to show our collective strength and start a winning run.”
That message comes at a significant point in the group schedule. After two defeats, Türkiye need a result to build confidence and give themselves a stronger platform for the matches ahead. Güler made clear that the players are focused on the task rather than being distracted by outside expectations.
He also addressed the absence of Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, his Real Madrid teammate. Güler praised the Belgian’s ability but would not describe his absence as an advantage for Türkiye, noting that any replacement would be determined to perform.
“Thibaut Courtois is perhaps one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time; I have massive respect for him,” Güler said. “I cannot call his absence an advantage, because whoever plays in his place will give their absolute best for Belgium.”
His comments reflect a cautious view of the challenge. A change in goal does not remove Belgium’s quality, and Türkiye cannot afford to assume that the hosts will be weakened by one player’s absence. Instead, Güler believes the visitors must concentrate on their own execution.
The team’s recent mistakes will also need to be addressed. Güler acknowledged that Türkiye have not been flawless in their previous matches, but argued that greater unity and a strong display can help the side regain momentum.
“We might have made mistakes in recent games, but if we unite, fight together, and play well tomorrow, we can kickstart our momentum,” he said.
For Türkiye, the challenge will be to turn that confidence into a complete performance. Güler’s creativity can help the side progress the ball and create opportunities, but his own remarks underline that attacking responsibility cannot rest on one midfielder. The team will need to contribute collectively if it is to make the most of its chances.
Discipline will matter just as much as attacking ambition. Against a strong opponent, avoidable errors can quickly put a team under pressure, particularly after a difficult start to the group. Türkiye will need to stay organised, support one another when possession changes hands and remain composed throughout the match.
Belgium, meanwhile, will be aiming to make the most of playing at home. Türkiye will have to manage the atmosphere in Liège without allowing it to disrupt their plans. Güler’s emphasis on trust and togetherness suggests the squad sees communication and mutual support as central to handling that test.
The match is therefore about more than recovering points after two defeats. A convincing performance could help Türkiye restore belief and begin building consistency in the Nations League. Güler’s message is straightforward: the team knows what is required, and success will depend on carrying it out together.