We are satisfied with the result
Sunday, December 14, 2025
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Shakhtar defender Valerii Bondar commented on the victory over Epicentr and analysed the team’s results in the first half of the season
– Valerii, Shakhtar put an emphatic full stop on their final UPL match of 2025, so it is time to sum up the first part of the season to some extent. What does this victory show?
– As the Mister said before the game, we had to demonstrate everything we’ve been working on over these months. It was very tough during the training camps and throughout the season: there were good moments and there were negative ones as well, but we coped with everything and, I think, went through this period fairly well. Of course, some things are not satisfying, particularly our position in the league. We wanted more, and I believe we could have done more to achieve that. However, if we sum up these six months, then both we and the fans can be more or less satisfied with the result and with the play we have shown during this period. That said, there is still work to be done, there is plenty of time and training ahead, but there is also one important match left to end the year on a positive note.
– Speaking specifically about Arda Turan’s work over these six months, what progress is noticeable, both at team level and individually?
– In terms of team progress, I think everyone can see how each player is developing and getting playing time on the pitch. Probably no other team have this, where every footballer plays and gets their chance like that. Everyone continues to grow with him and his coaching staff, and he has brought something new, while at the same time we are not abandoning what has always been part of Shakhtar’s identity, in particular aggressive pressing and a passing game. At the same time, a lot has been added in terms of defensive work – both during pressing and when operating in a low block. We have done a great deal of work with him, but I think there is still a lot ahead of us, especially during the training camps, because not everything was executed as well as he wanted. We need to move forward step by step and keep improving. As for myself, I can say that I have had a fairly good half-season as well, but there is still room for improvement. I’m always dissatisfied with something – either my own performance or the team’s – because you always want to improve and be a better version of yourself, and that applies to our team too.
– Throughout this entire period, the team were supported by the fans both in the stands and online. What message would you like to address to them?
– First of all, I would like to congratulate all our fans on the New Year and Christmas and wish them good health and peaceful skies above their heads. I hope that the war will finally come to an end and that everyone who is currently away from home will return and celebrate the New Year in their own homes, in a peaceful country.. Thank you very much for your support, for every match in which you were with us even in difficult moments, when we were losing. I saw it and felt the support of our fans and ultras who came to the matches while at the same time defending the country – great respect and sincere thanks to you for standing by us regardless of the result. Of course, we want to make our fans happy with results because they deserve it, as we have the best fans in the world.
– As the Mister said before the game, we had to demonstrate everything we’ve been working on over these months. It was very tough during the training camps and throughout the season: there were good moments and there were negative ones as well, but we coped with everything and, I think, went through this period fairly well. Of course, some things are not satisfying, particularly our position in the league. We wanted more, and I believe we could have done more to achieve that. However, if we sum up these six months, then both we and the fans can be more or less satisfied with the result and with the play we have shown during this period. That said, there is still work to be done, there is plenty of time and training ahead, but there is also one important match left to end the year on a positive note.
– Speaking specifically about Arda Turan’s work over these six months, what progress is noticeable, both at team level and individually?
– In terms of team progress, I think everyone can see how each player is developing and getting playing time on the pitch. Probably no other team have this, where every footballer plays and gets their chance like that. Everyone continues to grow with him and his coaching staff, and he has brought something new, while at the same time we are not abandoning what has always been part of Shakhtar’s identity, in particular aggressive pressing and a passing game. At the same time, a lot has been added in terms of defensive work – both during pressing and when operating in a low block. We have done a great deal of work with him, but I think there is still a lot ahead of us, especially during the training camps, because not everything was executed as well as he wanted. We need to move forward step by step and keep improving. As for myself, I can say that I have had a fairly good half-season as well, but there is still room for improvement. I’m always dissatisfied with something – either my own performance or the team’s – because you always want to improve and be a better version of yourself, and that applies to our team too.
– Throughout this entire period, the team were supported by the fans both in the stands and online. What message would you like to address to them?
– First of all, I would like to congratulate all our fans on the New Year and Christmas and wish them good health and peaceful skies above their heads. I hope that the war will finally come to an end and that everyone who is currently away from home will return and celebrate the New Year in their own homes, in a peaceful country.. Thank you very much for your support, for every match in which you were with us even in difficult moments, when we were losing. I saw it and felt the support of our fans and ultras who came to the matches while at the same time defending the country – great respect and sincere thanks to you for standing by us regardless of the result. Of course, we want to make our fans happy with results because they deserve it, as we have the best fans in the world.