Terim desperate for Turkish success
Fatih Terim is determined to keep his national team at Europe's top table as Turkey prepare to make their major tournament comeback against old foes Croatia.
The Turks last featured in a summer tournament eight years ago, making it to the semi-finals when Austria and Switzerland hosted Euro 2008.
Along the way they eliminated Sunday's opponents Croatia in controversial fashion.
Semih Senturk equalised for Turkey deep into stoppage time, with then Croatia boss Slaven Bilic claiming the extra minutes had fully elapsed. The now West Ham manager was incensed when Turkey went on to win 3-1 on penalties, thus reaching the final four.
Terim, 62, is therefore expecting a backlash and another stern test as he bids to re-establish Turkey as a serious force in continental football.
He told UEFA.com: "Turkey should qualify for the European Championship and World Cups on a constant basis - for me, that's more important than the results in any single tournament. Being here is already a success story and when you're always here, eventually you go further.
"I don't want to see these tournaments without Turkey. That's the criteria of success for me."
Referring to Croatia, who lie in wait at the Parc des Princes, and their recent history of discord with his own nation, Terim added: "Of course the current Croatia team is a lot different to that one.
"That was a good team as well, but today many members of the side are playing for bigger teams: Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Juventus, Barcelona.
"We beat them that time and then they beat us in the (Euro 2012) play-offs. That's how life goes.
"We will face a very serious and respectable team. And they can go places if they can qualify from the group."
Reigning champions Spain and the Czech Republic are Turkey's other rivals in a difficult group yet Terim is optimistic about his team's chances.
"Expectations are always high when it comes to me, but I'm used to it and have almost always lived up to them," said Terim. "You need to take these tournaments step by step. First, let's get out of this group if we can.
"Then, after surviving a group with Spain, Czech Republic and Croatia, I feel Turkey should climb much higher."
Ante Cacic, the Croatia coach, has similar ambitions for his own side, who are based near the north-coast town of Deauville.
"We respect Turkey," he said in Turkish newspaper Sporcope. "Making a good start to the season will be important to both sides. Both teams have serious goals.
"We have a good team, we have good players, and there is a good atmosphere around the camp."