Metsu - unhappy with Turkish attitude (Allsport)

By Ian Parkes, PA Sport, Osaka

Senegal coach Bruno Metsu has become embroiled in a war of words with Turkey counterpart Senol Gunes ahead of their World Cup quarter-final showdown on Saturday.

French newspaper L'Equipe today carried an interview with Gunes in which the 50-year-old is already looking ahead towards a semi-final clash with either Brazil or England, seemingly forgetting his side must first beat the Senegalese.

Gunes' confidence has angered Metsu, who claims his players have been "denigrated" by such comments, although he concedes he has become used to fellow coaches belittling Senegal.

The Lions of Teranga have taken the competition by storm from the moment the first whistle sounded on their remarkable opening day triumph against France, one which led to an early and embarrassing exit for the reigning champions.

Metsu's squad duly qualified for the second round where they added to their growing reputation by beating Sweden courtesy of only the second golden goal in World Cup history through Henri Camara.

Senegal now stand on the brink of a momentous achievement as no African team has qualified for the semi-finals, with Metsu determined to do so, and prove a point to Gunes.

"I don't know if it is true or not, but from what we have read their attitude is not very friendly," said Metsu.

"From what the coach has been saying, it seems they are really sure of themselves. They are not talking about the match with Senegal, they are already talking about the semi with England or Brazil

"That shows they are very confident. But it's not just that they are confident, they have been denigrating us.

"But we are used to that. Even for friendly matches we have had teams not wanting to play us because we were supposedly too weak.

"Well today, all the great football countries know Senegal has a great team. We are not here by chance. We deserve our place in the quarter-finals.

"It's up to us to prove Turkey wrong. For us, it's a new challenge and we are ready to prove their predictions wrong."

Turkey feel Metsu is merely trying to fire up his players, with Blackburn midfield star Tugay believing the Frenchman should keep his opinions to himself.

"These are the comments from the head coach of our opponents and we don't care about that," said Tugay.

"The only thing we have to worry about is doing our duty on the field, so his opinion is not important to us."

Metsu, who has already received two coaching offers from other football federations and, ironically, Turkish club side Gaziantepspor should he step down as Senegal boss after the tournament, believes his players are ready to do battle.

Metsu claimed his squad were "at saturation point" as Senegal's success in reaching the last eight had left the players physically and mentally exhausted.

But Metsu today said: "We were a bit tired yesterday, but the players have the smiles back on their faces today.

"We know we will need to be 100% ready for this match because you only have to look at what happened to France and Argentina when players are not at the top level."