Gunes is happy to stay out of the limelight (Allsport).

By Ian Parkes, PA Sport, Saitama

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Turkey coach Senol Gunes has conceded he is more than happy to stay out of the spotlight despite his side's stunning success in reaching the World Cup semi-finals.

While Gunes is a veritable jack in the box figure on the sidelines, his overall profile is more than likely a mystery to many neutral observers.

In contrast to the other three coaches who have led their team to the last four in Rudi Voller of Germany, South Korea's Guus Hiddink and Luis Felipe Scolari of Brazil, Gunes is a relative unknown.

But Gunes, who has already created Turkish football history by leading the team to the semi-finals and a Saitama clash against four-times champions Brazil today, does not feel such a remarkable story is all of his own making.

"First of all this is not my team, it is the team of Turkey and the Turkish people, while this is Turkey's success," insisted Gunes, a former international goalkeeper who won 31 caps between 1975-82.

"Of course I am proud of both myself and my players and I am carrying the happiness of a person who is doing his job very well.

"But the fact we have reached this point in the World Cup shows our strength in the world arena.

"After the (Turkish) Football Federation gained autonomy many new developments were made, while there were also technological advances and new facilities were built.

"A number of Turkish trainers who were principled and hard working have contributed to the success of our football in recent years, while of course we should not forget the Turkish people's passion for football.

"As for the players, they have always had talent, but they did not have the self confidence they do right now. That is because they have worked hard.

"But after two successive appearances in the European Championships and in reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup, we are on a level with other teams in the world, so I would like to congratulate everyone who has contributed to such success."

Gunes, who still holds the record for not conceding a goal in the Turkish League of 1,140 minutes, only took over from previous incumbent Mustafa Denizli two years ago in the wake of Turkey's successful Euro 2000 campaign where they reached the last eight.

Gunes' appointment, on a contract which runs through until 2004, came after two spells as coach of Trabzonspor, Boluspor, Antalyaspor and Sakarayaspor.

He has faced considerable criticism in the past, even during the group stage at this tournament, for his tactics and team changes, but now he is emerging from the shadows.

Gunes' confidence is such he is now hoping the shores of the Black Sea will become just as famous a breeding ground for future generations of Turkish footballers as the beaches of Rio de Janeiro have done for Brazil.

Many famous Brazilian names have made their way from such humble beginnings to the very top of the game, and Gunes does not see why the same cannot happen in Turkey.

"One day our kids will be talking proudly about us and sharing their memories with future generations. Our memories here will be the dreams of our children," stated a philosophical Gunes, who has a full squad to choose from other than Blackburn defender Hakan Unsal who is out with a knee injury.

"It is a huge source of happiness for us that while history is being written here, we are also the actors and creators of the future.

"We have watched Pele and Franz Beckenbauer in past World Cups and right now we are in the same place competing with those nations who have produced such talent.

"For many years we have also known the fabulous shores of Rio de Janeiro are a breeding place for great footballers. Now we want to Turkey and the shores of the Black Sea to be known in the same way.

"I believe football is universal and I hope in the future both places are mentioned in the same breath."