We knew it would be a difficult game
Friday, December 12, 2025
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Press conference of Shakhtar head coach Arda Turan after the UEFA Conference League match against Hamrun Spartans (2-0)
– We knew it would be a difficult game. Some matches are harder than the biggest and most important ones in the world. In those matches, you need to stay focused on your decisions, the stadium atmosphere and the pitch. We didn’t manage that very well in the first half, but we looked better in the second. We returned to our identity, played better and focused on making the right decisions. That’s how we secured the victory. It makes me very happy because winning a European match away anywhere in Europe is never easy. That’s why I feel genuine joy from this win.
– Mister, congratulations on the win! Indeed, the two halves were very different, so what did you say to the players at half-time? (ua.tribuna.com)
– I talked to my players about this during the break. I told them I had been here before, that I was part of a national team that dropped points against Malta at this stadium back in 2008. I explained that matches like this are tough, and sometimes Champions League semi-finals or finals may even seem tougher, yet playing them can be easier. That’s why I told them I understood them and that I was with them as someone who had played here before, as a friend, not just as a coach. After that, we returned to our identity and showed the respect for football that was needed. We had to do this, because according to FIFA 2023 data, 150 million children dream of becoming footballers and only 130,000 of them can achieve it at the professional level. We must show respect for the game and for the jersey. I believe this is a talent our players have been given by God. That’s why we must recognise its value. I reminded my players of all this, and they returned to their identities and played better in the second half. So I want to tell them: thank you and congratulations!
– Fesiun played his first match with a clean sheet. How would you describe his debut in European competition? How would you characterise his performance, especially considering the pitch quality? (UA-football)
– Fesiun is a very good goalkeeper and I believe he will only get better in the future. Of course, we try to play with him whenever we have the opportunity. We have excellent goalkeepers, including Riznyk. They face a tough challenge because confidence in their actions is crucial, and that can only come through playing time. I’m very pleased with Fesiun’s behaviour and his progress. I hugged him before training. Maybe that had some impact on how he played.
– Congratulations on the victory! In this match, players who played less or did not play at all in previous encounters received more playing time. Are you satisfied with their performances? (SportArena)
– Actually, if you look at the number of minutes played, you’ll see they will be equal. We simply use players depending on the specific match. For example, Pedrinho and Bondar are the ones who usually play. Also, Ocheretko played 45 minutes this time, and as for Tobias and Konoplia, you never know who will be the first choice. When I first arrived, I said I needed 24 players for our goals, and we continue to operate that way. We don’t have players who play more or less, we have just one team and one family.
– Mister, congratulations on the win! Indeed, the two halves were very different, so what did you say to the players at half-time? (ua.tribuna.com)
– I talked to my players about this during the break. I told them I had been here before, that I was part of a national team that dropped points against Malta at this stadium back in 2008. I explained that matches like this are tough, and sometimes Champions League semi-finals or finals may even seem tougher, yet playing them can be easier. That’s why I told them I understood them and that I was with them as someone who had played here before, as a friend, not just as a coach. After that, we returned to our identity and showed the respect for football that was needed. We had to do this, because according to FIFA 2023 data, 150 million children dream of becoming footballers and only 130,000 of them can achieve it at the professional level. We must show respect for the game and for the jersey. I believe this is a talent our players have been given by God. That’s why we must recognise its value. I reminded my players of all this, and they returned to their identities and played better in the second half. So I want to tell them: thank you and congratulations!
– Fesiun played his first match with a clean sheet. How would you describe his debut in European competition? How would you characterise his performance, especially considering the pitch quality? (UA-football)
– Fesiun is a very good goalkeeper and I believe he will only get better in the future. Of course, we try to play with him whenever we have the opportunity. We have excellent goalkeepers, including Riznyk. They face a tough challenge because confidence in their actions is crucial, and that can only come through playing time. I’m very pleased with Fesiun’s behaviour and his progress. I hugged him before training. Maybe that had some impact on how he played.
– Congratulations on the victory! In this match, players who played less or did not play at all in previous encounters received more playing time. Are you satisfied with their performances? (SportArena)
– Actually, if you look at the number of minutes played, you’ll see they will be equal. We simply use players depending on the specific match. For example, Pedrinho and Bondar are the ones who usually play. Also, Ocheretko played 45 minutes this time, and as for Tobias and Konoplia, you never know who will be the first choice. When I first arrived, I said I needed 24 players for our goals, and we continue to operate that way. We don’t have players who play more or less, we have just one team and one family.