Gunes - keeping press away from training (Allsport)

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Turkey coach Senol Gunes has attacked the Turkish press after the national team was heavily criticised following their defeat to Brazil.

The Turks had two players sent off in their thrilling Group C opener on Sunday and the media have blasted the players for their poor discipline.

Gunes and his players have hit back though.

"There are some people with masks on their face here," said Gunes, speaking at a press conference alongside Galatasaray defender Bulent Korkmaz and Inter Milan midfielder Okan Buruk.

"They are smiling at us but then there are stabbing us in our backs.""

Gunes has asked for the press to be kept away from the team's training until after the Costa Rica match on Sunday and he has also tried to ban them from the team hotel.

Buruk has even threatened legal action against the media.

He said: "The criticisms have started to become insults now. We will take these people to the court.

"The world likes the Turkish team but some of these people don't.

"They are foul-mouthed. We will defend ourselves in court."

Korkmaz dismissed reports suggesting Gunes was to blame for the loss against Brazil.

"We came here with Senol Gunes and his assistants. We trust our coach," he said.

Brazil clinched victory when Rivaldo scored from a late penalty.

That spot-kick had been awarded because Alpay pulled back Brazilian substitute striker Luizao.

Television replays suggested the offence took place outside the area, though.

The Turks, not really known for their restraint, lost their cool and in stoppage time Blackburn's Hakan Unsal booted the ball at Rivaldo in frustration.

He received a red card after Rivaldo fell to the ground clutching his face, when in reality he had been hit on the knee.

Rivaldo has since been fined by FIFA.