In a calm voice but with clear words, coach Vincenzo Montella condemned the sometimes harsh criticism directed at the Turkey national team following their defeat in the World Cup opener against Australia.
"This chaos really disappoints me. This team has achieved great results over the past three years, and I think we deserve a little more respect after the first game, even though we could have done better," Montella said in a news conference on Thursday.
"We prepared for this game with a clear head, even though there was so much chaos around us," he added.
"I'm not referring to all the media, but there are a few individuals who are stirring things."
Turkey are third in Group D, behind the United States and Australia, ahead of their match against Paraguay on Friday.
Montella had expected criticism after the 2-0 defeat, "but not to this extent."
The pressure on the coach and his team, led by Real Madrid superstar Arda Güler, is immense.
If co-hosts US manage to earn at least one point against Australia and Turkey lose to Paraguay, the Turkish team would be eliminated after just two games.
Montella said he cannot shield his players from outside influences such as social media. That's "impossible."
However, the former Italy international is trying to provide some distraction through other measures.
"That was one of the reasons why we invited the families today," he said.
The coach believes his team is ready for the showdown against Paraguay, who also started the tournament with a defeat to the US.
"We're more united than ever to turn things around and bounce back after the loss. I'm sure that if we win tomorrow, some people will start saying again that we're going to be world champions," Montella said.
