We kept to our system
Saturday, October 18, 2025
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Press conference of Shakhtar head coach Arda Turan after the UPL match against Polissia
– Polissia are a very good team. They have a very good coach and a well-organised attacking play. We respect them. Today, we focus on the positive things. We kept to our system and organisation. I’m proud of my players. It’s not a problem for us. If you play like this, there’s always a chance of dropping points. The main thing is that we’re on the right path. We have 7 matches ahead over the next 20 days – we will see what happens next. I’m not too disappointed for now. One point is not bad for us. We will keep playing in the Conference League.
– I’d like to ask about Oleh Ocheretko’s fitness. He was with the U21 national team and then had a very short pre-season. How is he feeling now? (ProFootball)
– He’s a great player. And he will play even better – I believe that. I really like the physical work he does for the team. He’s still learning how to operate with the ball and make decisions in attacking situations. But I’m very pleased with his progress. I also like him as a person. I trust him. I think he will become even better. And I believe he’s one of those who represent the future of the Ukraine national team.
– What do you think about his fitness? (ProFootball)
– He got hit by another player, but it’s too early to say anything. He picked up an injury. I’m not sure what exactly happened, but he couldn’t play in the second half, so we made a substitution. However, he’s fine – he’s young, we’re protecting him, he’s all right. Physically, I like him. Maybe we can find better decisions with the ball, but I like what he does without the ball. His work for the team is excellent.
– I’d like to ask about the Ukraine national team. You were in the stands in Warsaw and saw the match. What’s your attitude towards the national team? (ProFootball)
– First of all, it’s not easy for me because I also have great respect for the Azerbaijan national team. At the same time, I work here and feel part of the Ukrainian people. I supported Ukraine in that match. I’m proud of my players – they played very well against Iceland and against Azerbaijan. I also want to congratulate Rebrov – he did an excellent job. He can lead the team to the World Cup. I’m a fan of the Ukraine national team. They showed a very good play. Of course, it’s not easy for them now, as they travel every day and play in another country. It’s very difficult emotionally. But I sincerely respect my players and all Ukrainian footballers. You have a very good team. We’ll see what happens by the play-offs.
– My question is about the emotions in the final 10 minutes. How did it look, in your opinion, from your side and from Polissia’s? (ProFootball)
– I respect Polissia’s head coach and their coaching staff. I only spoke with the referee; I didn’t talk to them about anything. But if they say something about us, we are here for Shakhtar. I defend my players, I defend my coaches. I can do anything for my players. That’s one side of it. On the other hand, I have great respect for Polissia’s organisation, but there are moments I don’t like. If they act like that, I don’t like it because we didn’t approach them. But if they speak to us, then we can speak to anyone.
– So this was about the referee’s decisions? (ProFootball)
– The referee? I’m not commenting.
– I’d like to ask about Oleh Ocheretko’s fitness. He was with the U21 national team and then had a very short pre-season. How is he feeling now? (ProFootball)
– He’s a great player. And he will play even better – I believe that. I really like the physical work he does for the team. He’s still learning how to operate with the ball and make decisions in attacking situations. But I’m very pleased with his progress. I also like him as a person. I trust him. I think he will become even better. And I believe he’s one of those who represent the future of the Ukraine national team.
– What do you think about his fitness? (ProFootball)
– He got hit by another player, but it’s too early to say anything. He picked up an injury. I’m not sure what exactly happened, but he couldn’t play in the second half, so we made a substitution. However, he’s fine – he’s young, we’re protecting him, he’s all right. Physically, I like him. Maybe we can find better decisions with the ball, but I like what he does without the ball. His work for the team is excellent.
– I’d like to ask about the Ukraine national team. You were in the stands in Warsaw and saw the match. What’s your attitude towards the national team? (ProFootball)
– First of all, it’s not easy for me because I also have great respect for the Azerbaijan national team. At the same time, I work here and feel part of the Ukrainian people. I supported Ukraine in that match. I’m proud of my players – they played very well against Iceland and against Azerbaijan. I also want to congratulate Rebrov – he did an excellent job. He can lead the team to the World Cup. I’m a fan of the Ukraine national team. They showed a very good play. Of course, it’s not easy for them now, as they travel every day and play in another country. It’s very difficult emotionally. But I sincerely respect my players and all Ukrainian footballers. You have a very good team. We’ll see what happens by the play-offs.
– My question is about the emotions in the final 10 minutes. How did it look, in your opinion, from your side and from Polissia’s? (ProFootball)
– I respect Polissia’s head coach and their coaching staff. I only spoke with the referee; I didn’t talk to them about anything. But if they say something about us, we are here for Shakhtar. I defend my players, I defend my coaches. I can do anything for my players. That’s one side of it. On the other hand, I have great respect for Polissia’s organisation, but there are moments I don’t like. If they act like that, I don’t like it because we didn’t approach them. But if they speak to us, then we can speak to anyone.
– So this was about the referee’s decisions? (ProFootball)
– The referee? I’m not commenting.