We are full of enthusiasm and self-belief
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
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Press conference of Shakhtar head coach Arda Turan ahead of the UEFA Conference League match against Crystal Palace
– Good evening! It is an important moment for us. We know the strength of our opponents; they have an excellent coach. They are a strong team representing world football at the highest level. We want to play our own football, take our own steps and show ourselves on the pitch. We have good experience and a positive mindset, but at the same time we understand it will not be easy. However, looking ahead to tomorrow’s match, we are full of enthusiasm and self-belief.
– Türkiye greets you! It is now the end of April, and Shakhtar are close to winning the Conference League trophy. This is already the third edition of the tournament, and you are one of the few coaches to reach the semi-finals. How do you see this match and what comes next?
– I’m very happy that we have reached this level. I’m a bit of a dreamer and I never give up on my dreams – I always want to believe in them and pass that belief on to my players. There are many reasons that could make us say things might have been different, but right now we are trying to give hope to our families and to people in Ukraine. Despite the war, people continue to take their children to school, visit coffee shops and live their lives. We show that even in such difficult times we do not lose heart and want to show the whole world that we do not give up, even if there is a war. This is our mission.
– There are many fans and media representatives from Türkiye here, and we are very proud of you. How do you assess your position, given that in interviews you have emphasised that Shakhtar have gone through all stages and played the most matches among clubs this year? What is the team’s physical condition like and has the early start to the season affected the footballers?
– Thank you very much! If we talk about the team, the players are in excellent physical condition. We have had many intense conversations, but this all strengthens and teaches a person. They are young, and their psychological state is extremely important. Sometimes, of course, it is difficult. The expectations for them are very high; it is a big responsibility. It is not easy for them, and our viewers and fans cannot support them in the same way as in Ukraine because we are currently in a different country. The players spend a lot of time on the road and on buses, and that is also difficult, but they have accepted it and continue to fight and improve. I’m sure they will succeed as I see the desire in their eyes. We must accept that Crystal Palace are physically stronger than us, but we believe in ourselves, we will try our best and we know we will do everything in our power. That is why I have great hope for the next match. Thank you for being here with us. It confirms that sport unites everyone, and that is why going through this journey together is extremely important.
– How do you remember your feelings as a player, compared to now as a head coach? How would you compare those emotions? In 2009, Shakhtar won the UEFA Cup in Türkiye. Comparing those situations, how do you want and plan to guide the young players? How much do you invest in their technique and skills, given that the next 90 minutes will be extremely important for the team?
– First of all, we must take into account that footballers are human beings with feelings and they can make mistakes. They have played for the biggest and best clubs. The most important thing is to remember that they will not be able to perform at a constant level over 90 minutes and there will be moments when they need to push through. I try to keep in mind that they are first of all people and I remember this from my own career. You must rely on your own beliefs and principles. When it seems there are bad results, you should not give up your ideas because this system has brought us to where we are now. It does not depend on the strategy we choose. You should remember energy, emotions and feelings, keep them on a positive level and simply play. I’m sure that then we will be able to correct mistakes and win.
– Shakhtar are in the Conference League semi-finals and you already have experience of such matches. What makes these moments special?
– In such matches I always say that I have a certain dream. You must wait for your moment and show the maximum of your abilities. At the same time, it is important from which side we show it. You need to have a clear vision of the future. I speak about the positive aspects, although we are not in the same conditions; the opponents are in a different situation. Ours is much more difficult and this must be understood.
– Fesiun, Marlon Gomes and Pedrinho have missed the last few matches, but they have travelled with the team to Kraków. Could you please say whether they are ready for tomorrow’s clash and whether there are any absentees ahead of it?
– If we are talking about muscle injuries, I think the situation is difficult. I’m constantly in contact with these players and we will see how it develops.
– Mircea Lucescu was a very important coach. Do you remember that period in football, and would you draw any parallels with him and pass that experience on to younger players, as well as to Turkish children through what you are doing?
– He was a great man and he certainly did a lot for sport. We will always carry his legacy in our hearts. As for the children, I want to say that they are the most important, and no match is more important than their life and happiness. I always invite all children so that they can train together with their parents and take part in sport.
– You are still a young coach, but you are preparing the team for a European semi-final. When you were just starting this path, did you imagine that this stage could come so quickly? And speaking of your extensive experience as a footballer, what can help you the most from it?
– We cannot know exactly how we reach the stage we are at now, but I have always dreamed of it, and I would like it to be even better. Of course, I want us to win this trophy, but the most important thing for us is to think only about tomorrow’s match. What matters is tomorrow. We will move step by step and think about the future, but now we are focused only on tomorrow’s game.
– This is Crystal Palace’s first season in European competition. It is interesting whether tomorrow’s match will have an impact on what happens a week later in London.
– If we think about the longer perspective of this tie, we cannot look that far ahead because it can create unnecessary pressure on the team and make tomorrow’s match more difficult. We want to win. If we think like that, it can take us to the final. Small details can make a big difference, and it will be a tough game. The most important thing right now is tomorrow’s match, and that is the first step in front of us.
– Türkiye greets you! It is now the end of April, and Shakhtar are close to winning the Conference League trophy. This is already the third edition of the tournament, and you are one of the few coaches to reach the semi-finals. How do you see this match and what comes next?
– I’m very happy that we have reached this level. I’m a bit of a dreamer and I never give up on my dreams – I always want to believe in them and pass that belief on to my players. There are many reasons that could make us say things might have been different, but right now we are trying to give hope to our families and to people in Ukraine. Despite the war, people continue to take their children to school, visit coffee shops and live their lives. We show that even in such difficult times we do not lose heart and want to show the whole world that we do not give up, even if there is a war. This is our mission.
– There are many fans and media representatives from Türkiye here, and we are very proud of you. How do you assess your position, given that in interviews you have emphasised that Shakhtar have gone through all stages and played the most matches among clubs this year? What is the team’s physical condition like and has the early start to the season affected the footballers?
– Thank you very much! If we talk about the team, the players are in excellent physical condition. We have had many intense conversations, but this all strengthens and teaches a person. They are young, and their psychological state is extremely important. Sometimes, of course, it is difficult. The expectations for them are very high; it is a big responsibility. It is not easy for them, and our viewers and fans cannot support them in the same way as in Ukraine because we are currently in a different country. The players spend a lot of time on the road and on buses, and that is also difficult, but they have accepted it and continue to fight and improve. I’m sure they will succeed as I see the desire in their eyes. We must accept that Crystal Palace are physically stronger than us, but we believe in ourselves, we will try our best and we know we will do everything in our power. That is why I have great hope for the next match. Thank you for being here with us. It confirms that sport unites everyone, and that is why going through this journey together is extremely important.
– How do you remember your feelings as a player, compared to now as a head coach? How would you compare those emotions? In 2009, Shakhtar won the UEFA Cup in Türkiye. Comparing those situations, how do you want and plan to guide the young players? How much do you invest in their technique and skills, given that the next 90 minutes will be extremely important for the team?
– First of all, we must take into account that footballers are human beings with feelings and they can make mistakes. They have played for the biggest and best clubs. The most important thing is to remember that they will not be able to perform at a constant level over 90 minutes and there will be moments when they need to push through. I try to keep in mind that they are first of all people and I remember this from my own career. You must rely on your own beliefs and principles. When it seems there are bad results, you should not give up your ideas because this system has brought us to where we are now. It does not depend on the strategy we choose. You should remember energy, emotions and feelings, keep them on a positive level and simply play. I’m sure that then we will be able to correct mistakes and win.
– Shakhtar are in the Conference League semi-finals and you already have experience of such matches. What makes these moments special?
– In such matches I always say that I have a certain dream. You must wait for your moment and show the maximum of your abilities. At the same time, it is important from which side we show it. You need to have a clear vision of the future. I speak about the positive aspects, although we are not in the same conditions; the opponents are in a different situation. Ours is much more difficult and this must be understood.
– Fesiun, Marlon Gomes and Pedrinho have missed the last few matches, but they have travelled with the team to Kraków. Could you please say whether they are ready for tomorrow’s clash and whether there are any absentees ahead of it?
– If we are talking about muscle injuries, I think the situation is difficult. I’m constantly in contact with these players and we will see how it develops.
– Mircea Lucescu was a very important coach. Do you remember that period in football, and would you draw any parallels with him and pass that experience on to younger players, as well as to Turkish children through what you are doing?
– He was a great man and he certainly did a lot for sport. We will always carry his legacy in our hearts. As for the children, I want to say that they are the most important, and no match is more important than their life and happiness. I always invite all children so that they can train together with their parents and take part in sport.
– You are still a young coach, but you are preparing the team for a European semi-final. When you were just starting this path, did you imagine that this stage could come so quickly? And speaking of your extensive experience as a footballer, what can help you the most from it?
– We cannot know exactly how we reach the stage we are at now, but I have always dreamed of it, and I would like it to be even better. Of course, I want us to win this trophy, but the most important thing for us is to think only about tomorrow’s match. What matters is tomorrow. We will move step by step and think about the future, but now we are focused only on tomorrow’s game.
– This is Crystal Palace’s first season in European competition. It is interesting whether tomorrow’s match will have an impact on what happens a week later in London.
– If we think about the longer perspective of this tie, we cannot look that far ahead because it can create unnecessary pressure on the team and make tomorrow’s match more difficult. We want to win. If we think like that, it can take us to the final. Small details can make a big difference, and it will be a tough game. The most important thing right now is tomorrow’s match, and that is the first step in front of us.