I'm satisfied with the play
Friday, August 8, 2025
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Press conference of Shakhtar’ head coach Arda Turan after the UEFA Europa League away match against Panathinaikos
– I’m not satisfied with the score, but I’m satisfied with the play. We started with some simple ball losses, but later took control over the ball and dominated. We respect the strategy of our opponents, Panathinaikos, and knew they would be dangerous from set pieces and quick transitions. And indeed, such moments occurred during the game. In the second half, we played the football we want to see. We controlled the ball and the entire match. When you play against the opponents like Panathinaikos, you have to act correctly in key moments. In my opinion, we made a few mistakes in that regard. Overall, I’m happy with the progress of the game, but in the penalty area, when we get there, we need to show more hunger to score, we need to feel it. Because that kind of game demands it. Sometimes maybe we were too calm in the box, but it’s important to understand the value of getting the ball to the final stage. Maybe there’s no tactic for that, but we will think about how to improve it. We will work on it. I am satisfied with performance of my footballers. It’s not easy to endure all these flights and play every three days. Our vision is one team, one family. And we will stick to this path. I’m proud of my players.
– I have two questions. I’ll start with the incident involving Eguinaldo – the referee didn’t even check the VAR. (ua.tribuna.com)
– There is a difference between simply officiating and truly feeling the game. If a player is running at 30 km/h and gets pushed from behind, the primary concern should be that player’s health. If VAR is not for moments like this, then I don’t know what it’s for at all. Of course, it’s not our place to judge the referee or VAR’s decisions, but I’ve lost a player, Eguinaldo, and I’m very saddened by that. Right now, neither UEFA nor the referee can help. If there is injustice in life, I always believe it must be spoken about openly. That’s why I cannot accept this. I’ve lost a player and I don’t know for how long. To me, it was a clear penalty. The referee and the VAR official have some explanation. I spoke with the judge but didn’t understand what exactly he meant.
– And a few words about Riznyk’s performance, who made several very good saves. And perhaps there is new information about Kevin, when can we expect his return to the field? (ua.tribuna.com)
– Regarding Riznyk: he is an excellent player, a goalkeeper. Also a very good person. I’m not surprised by his performance or his saves. He’s always where he needs to be. I hope his involvement will be needed less in the second leg. As for Kevin: he will definitely come back, but the most important thing is that he returns fully healthy. For us, the players’ health comes first.
– What do you plan to improve ahead of the return match in Kraków?
– To be honest, I don’t think anything needs improving in the play itself because I’m very satisfied with it. I’m not going to change anything, we’ll just try to perform certain moments better.
– I have two questions. I’ll start with the incident involving Eguinaldo – the referee didn’t even check the VAR. (ua.tribuna.com)
– There is a difference between simply officiating and truly feeling the game. If a player is running at 30 km/h and gets pushed from behind, the primary concern should be that player’s health. If VAR is not for moments like this, then I don’t know what it’s for at all. Of course, it’s not our place to judge the referee or VAR’s decisions, but I’ve lost a player, Eguinaldo, and I’m very saddened by that. Right now, neither UEFA nor the referee can help. If there is injustice in life, I always believe it must be spoken about openly. That’s why I cannot accept this. I’ve lost a player and I don’t know for how long. To me, it was a clear penalty. The referee and the VAR official have some explanation. I spoke with the judge but didn’t understand what exactly he meant.
– And a few words about Riznyk’s performance, who made several very good saves. And perhaps there is new information about Kevin, when can we expect his return to the field? (ua.tribuna.com)
– Regarding Riznyk: he is an excellent player, a goalkeeper. Also a very good person. I’m not surprised by his performance or his saves. He’s always where he needs to be. I hope his involvement will be needed less in the second leg. As for Kevin: he will definitely come back, but the most important thing is that he returns fully healthy. For us, the players’ health comes first.
– What do you plan to improve ahead of the return match in Kraków?
– To be honest, I don’t think anything needs improving in the play itself because I’m very satisfied with it. I’m not going to change anything, we’ll just try to perform certain moments better.