We created many chances
Thursday, July 17, 2025
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Shakhtar midfielder Artem Bondarenko talked about the result against Ilves, fan support and expectations for the game against Beşiktaş
– Artem, the return match against Ilves ended in a draw. What made this game more difficult for Shakhtar in your opinion? What worked well and what didn’t?
– Away matches are always a bit tougher. By feel, the game went well, but the only thing that didn’t work out: we created a lot of chances but couldn’t convert any of them.
– How did the artificial pitch affect the game, if at all? Did you feel any discomfort?
– Honestly, I expected it to be worse. It was a bit unusual at first, but I adapted during the game – the first touches, the warm-up, and once the match got underway, everything was fine.
– Motivation and energy in the dressing room have been very high since Arda Turan’s arrival. What did the coach say at halftime and after the match?
– He didn’t say anything after the game yet, but at halftime, and basically before the match too, he told us we needed to win and score goals. He also said we were playing well but had to convert our chances.
– There were quite a few Ukrainian fans at the stadium today. How did you feel their support? How warm was the atmosphere?
– I was really surprised by the number of fans – it was just incredible! Great support, lots of Ukrainians and we were very happy to see them. They even exchanged chants with the Finnish ultras, so the atmosphere was truly enjoyable.
– The team have the second qualifying round of the Europa League ahead and we already know that Shakhtar will face Beşiktaş. What do you expect from the upcoming ties?
– Everyone knows Beşiktaş are a strong team; playing at their stadium is tough because the atmosphere is incredible and the fans are very good. So we expect a difficult but very interesting match.
– Away matches are always a bit tougher. By feel, the game went well, but the only thing that didn’t work out: we created a lot of chances but couldn’t convert any of them.
– How did the artificial pitch affect the game, if at all? Did you feel any discomfort?
– Honestly, I expected it to be worse. It was a bit unusual at first, but I adapted during the game – the first touches, the warm-up, and once the match got underway, everything was fine.
– Motivation and energy in the dressing room have been very high since Arda Turan’s arrival. What did the coach say at halftime and after the match?
– He didn’t say anything after the game yet, but at halftime, and basically before the match too, he told us we needed to win and score goals. He also said we were playing well but had to convert our chances.
– There were quite a few Ukrainian fans at the stadium today. How did you feel their support? How warm was the atmosphere?
– I was really surprised by the number of fans – it was just incredible! Great support, lots of Ukrainians and we were very happy to see them. They even exchanged chants with the Finnish ultras, so the atmosphere was truly enjoyable.
– The team have the second qualifying round of the Europa League ahead and we already know that Shakhtar will face Beşiktaş. What do you expect from the upcoming ties?
– Everyone knows Beşiktaş are a strong team; playing at their stadium is tough because the atmosphere is incredible and the fans are very good. So we expect a difficult but very interesting match.