We will play the second game against the champions
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
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Press conference of Shakhtar head coach Arda Turan ahead of the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 return leg against Lech
– Good evening, everyone! We will play the second game against the champions. They are a strong team with a very good coach. Yes, we have an advantage in the score, but perhaps, contrary to what most people think, we still need to play the moments right because the opponents have very dangerous attacking players. We will play to win and try to advance. Given the circumstances we are currently in, playing two matches with “final” in their title is a dream for us. Tomorrow we will play to make that dream come true because perhaps not everyone realises what it means for us, considering the conditions we are playing under and the travel we have to manage. That is why tomorrow will be a big day for us, and we will try to make it a happy one.
– How do you think tomorrow’s match will differ from the first one, technically and tactically?
– It will differ from the first match in many aspects as the situation is now different from what it was at the start. Moreover, both teams have achieved great success, so no one will give up their style of play, contact or aggression. It will be different in many ways, but despite all this, I believe emotions will come to the forefront. They will be different from the first game.
– Can you compare Lech Poznań with other opponents you’ve faced before?
– They are the toughest and strongest team among those we’ve played so far. Honestly, they are very well organised, and I say this not just to keep things balanced ahead of the second match. They have an excellent coach and many tactical options. The squad includes very quality players: Palma, Wålemark, Ishak, Bengtsson, Ali. They have many ways to score. They also have a very strong right-back from Portugal – Pereira. A very important game against the champions awaits us, and champions always have many possibilities. You should never underestimate the character of a title-winning team. That is why I believe they are the strongest opponents we have faced, and at the same time, it’s a very good test for a team like ours, because, as I said, we have a very young squad, and this match is a great opportunity to test our level.
– You previously mentioned certain issues at the border. How are you feeling now, particularly regarding recovery? Is everything alright?
– Even if there aren’t any specific problems, the situation itself creates quite a few difficulties because you have to wait at least an hour and a half to two hours at the border. And I’m not saying this to blame anyone, but it’s very hard for the players: to finish a match, get on the bus and then wait there for four hours. If, in the end, the journey to the hotel takes eight to ten hours, it’s extremely tough for a football team. At the same time, we are learning to live under these circumstances. I believe no team, or anyone at all, should have to face this, but again, I’m not blaming anyone – I’m just describing the situation. On the other hand, I can only express my gratitude to Poland and all the people here. They opened this stadium for us and always welcome us warmly in Kraków. I’m speaking here generally about the lack of peace amid the war. When air raid alerts sound, the stress, discomfort and absence of a sense of safety – it’s impossible to put into words.
– How do you think tomorrow’s match will differ from the first one, technically and tactically?
– It will differ from the first match in many aspects as the situation is now different from what it was at the start. Moreover, both teams have achieved great success, so no one will give up their style of play, contact or aggression. It will be different in many ways, but despite all this, I believe emotions will come to the forefront. They will be different from the first game.
– Can you compare Lech Poznań with other opponents you’ve faced before?
– They are the toughest and strongest team among those we’ve played so far. Honestly, they are very well organised, and I say this not just to keep things balanced ahead of the second match. They have an excellent coach and many tactical options. The squad includes very quality players: Palma, Wålemark, Ishak, Bengtsson, Ali. They have many ways to score. They also have a very strong right-back from Portugal – Pereira. A very important game against the champions awaits us, and champions always have many possibilities. You should never underestimate the character of a title-winning team. That is why I believe they are the strongest opponents we have faced, and at the same time, it’s a very good test for a team like ours, because, as I said, we have a very young squad, and this match is a great opportunity to test our level.
– You previously mentioned certain issues at the border. How are you feeling now, particularly regarding recovery? Is everything alright?
– Even if there aren’t any specific problems, the situation itself creates quite a few difficulties because you have to wait at least an hour and a half to two hours at the border. And I’m not saying this to blame anyone, but it’s very hard for the players: to finish a match, get on the bus and then wait there for four hours. If, in the end, the journey to the hotel takes eight to ten hours, it’s extremely tough for a football team. At the same time, we are learning to live under these circumstances. I believe no team, or anyone at all, should have to face this, but again, I’m not blaming anyone – I’m just describing the situation. On the other hand, I can only express my gratitude to Poland and all the people here. They opened this stadium for us and always welcome us warmly in Kraków. I’m speaking here generally about the lack of peace amid the war. When air raid alerts sound, the stress, discomfort and absence of a sense of safety – it’s impossible to put into words.
