The coach demands intensity
Thursday, January 29, 2026
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Shakhtar forward Luca Meirelles spoke about the first weeks of preparation at the training camp in Türkiye
– Luca, there is always a lot of running and ball work at the training camp under Arda Turan’s guidance. What are your impressions of these winter camp?
– Yes, we have a lot of training sessions with an emphasis on running work. It is really difficult now because the sessions are very demanding, but we will be fully physically prepared over the course of the season. The idea is that, with improved fitness, we can press opponents and complement our individually high-quality play with our physical capabilities.
– What are the main demands of Arda Turan and his coaching staff?
– What the coach demands most is intensity. He always emphasises that we must give our maximum, and in his view this should be part of our mentality. There must also be the ability to push ourselves: all those early wake-ups and 7 a.m. training sessions are aimed at making us ready to step out of our comfort zone and challenge ourselves. Personally, I don’t really like it, but I understand how much it toughens us up and adds confidence in our own abilities.
– When do you think the team will reach optimal physical form and do you feel you are already ready for the first friendly matches?
– I think the coaching staff are doing everything possible to bring us to peak form by the time the season resumes. I believe that both physically and mentally we are ready to face our opponents, and we will give our maximum in the friendlies so that we approach the second part of the season in the best possible condition.
– What are your personal goals for the second half of the season and what are your expectations for the team’s results?
– Of course, first and foremost, team objectives are always our priority, and personally, I would like to contribute and help achieve results – to win the titles we are competing for this season. I would also like to score goals and provide assists for my teammates. All of this is possible through hard work. So, I hope that we will be able to delight the fans with trophies and entertaining football in the second half of the season.
– Yes, we have a lot of training sessions with an emphasis on running work. It is really difficult now because the sessions are very demanding, but we will be fully physically prepared over the course of the season. The idea is that, with improved fitness, we can press opponents and complement our individually high-quality play with our physical capabilities.
– What are the main demands of Arda Turan and his coaching staff?
– What the coach demands most is intensity. He always emphasises that we must give our maximum, and in his view this should be part of our mentality. There must also be the ability to push ourselves: all those early wake-ups and 7 a.m. training sessions are aimed at making us ready to step out of our comfort zone and challenge ourselves. Personally, I don’t really like it, but I understand how much it toughens us up and adds confidence in our own abilities.
– When do you think the team will reach optimal physical form and do you feel you are already ready for the first friendly matches?
– I think the coaching staff are doing everything possible to bring us to peak form by the time the season resumes. I believe that both physically and mentally we are ready to face our opponents, and we will give our maximum in the friendlies so that we approach the second part of the season in the best possible condition.
– What are your personal goals for the second half of the season and what are your expectations for the team’s results?
– Of course, first and foremost, team objectives are always our priority, and personally, I would like to contribute and help achieve results – to win the titles we are competing for this season. I would also like to score goals and provide assists for my teammates. All of this is possible through hard work. So, I hope that we will be able to delight the fans with trophies and entertaining football in the second half of the season.