“We have changed, and so has the way people see us” – Yenipazar on Türkiye’s journey to EuroVolley

Türkiye arrive at CEV Enel EuroVolley 2026 Men after a summer that has further strengthened their place among international Volleyball’s increasingly competitive sides. Yet, for captain Murat Yenipazar, there is little interest in looking too far ahead, or forgetting how far this team has already come.
The Turkish setter speaks about the past two years as part of a much longer process. It is a journey that has taken the national team from the European Golden League to competing regularly against the world’s best, and one that has gradually changed not only the mentality within the squad, but also the expectations surrounding it.

That mentality was tested throughout a demanding summer and, according to the captain, even more so in the weeks leading into EuroVolley.
After completing their VNL campaign, Türkiye turned their attention immediately towards the European Championship. Rather than concentrating on what had already worked, Yenipazar says the team deliberately focused on the areas where they still needed to improve.

“We prepared very hard after the VNL, especially working on the things that we weren't doing well enough. Mentally, it was a difficult period too, because there were barriers that we needed to overcome.”
“I think we have overcome some of them, but until we start playing matches here, it is difficult to say exactly where we are.”

There is another challenge Türkiye will have to manage in Cluj-Napoca. They enter the tournament missing three players through injury, something Yenipazar is quick to acknowledge rather than overlook. At the same time, after a long national-team summer, fatigue is hardly unique to his side.
“We are at the end of the summer, at our final tournament, and of course physically we are tired. But it is the same for the other teams. What we want is to go onto the court and fight to win every match. We want to play good Volleyball and show the kind of fight that represents the Turkish people.”

Perhaps the most noticeable change, however, has happened outside the court.
Results over the past two summers have brought the men's national team greater attention at home. Yenipazar says the players can feel it, through messages from supporters and through opportunities such as this interview to talk about the team beyond what happens between the first and final whistle.

“We have changed, but the way people see us has changed too. In the past, we didn't really have many opportunities to talk about our thoughts and feelings. Now we are trying to be part of that as well, because being able to talk about these things, beyond just the Volleyball we play on the court, is very important to us.”

For all that has changed, Yenipazar is equally clear that this remains a team in development. Experienced players are sharing the journey with those still growing into their roles at international level.

“We still have a squad that needs to mature, and we have to accept that. This summer has been about bringing together experienced players and players who still need time to develop. But we are happy, and above all we are proud to be here and proud of the fight we have shown throughout the summer.”

Asked about France, Germany and the other opponents awaiting Türkiye in Pool D, Yenipazar does not particularly want to single anyone out.
His reason says perhaps more about the current mentality of this Turkish team than any assessment of their rivals could.

“For us, it doesn't really make sense to speak about one particular team. We are a national team that goes onto the court trying to win every match.”

And while Türkiye's recent progress has accelerated, Yenipazar has no intention of allowing the team to forget where the journey began. “This has been a long and demanding road. It is a journey that started in the European Golden League. I think the Turkish people still remember those days. We remember them too, and we don't want to forget them, because we don't want to go backwards. We want to keep moving forward.”

That is also why Yenipazar is reluctant to divide Türkiye's EuroVolley campaign into the pool stage and whatever might come afterwards.
The objective is bigger than one week in Cluj-Napoca.

For now, after months of preparation, development, setbacks and a long summer together, Türkiye's captain is ready to stop talking about what his team might do.
He simply wants the ball in play.
“We just want to get onto the court now and finally start playing.”