We head into the break in a good mood
Sunday, September 20, 2026
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Press conference of Shakhtar head coach Arda Turan after the match against LNZ (3-0)
– A difficult evening. The game was certainly very intense and full of action. We knew that the opponents would probably defend against us with a back five. In the first half, as the game unfolded, we lacked efficiency in our decision-making and the overall intensity we had set. When we entered the second zone and the final third, we were too hasty and rushed our decisions a little. For example, we played the ball into the final third or the penalty area too early, and we also did not attack the half-spaces enough, meaning we failed to create space for our forward. The plan was to field an attacking line of Mendoza, Traore and Alisson so that they would tire the opposition through constant possession. That way, we planned to open up more space for them and then bring on Newertton, Kaua Elias and Pedrinho in the second half to add even more dynamism in the final third. If we analyse the game as a whole, there are a number of things I’m not satisfied with. However, I’m happy with the victory and the three points we have added to our tally. It is very pleasing to head into the international break in a good mood.
– Congratulations on the victory! What did you expect from the team before this international break, and have your players fulfilled the objectives you had been working on with them just a couple of weeks ago?
– Overall, I’m satisfied with this period, satisfied with my team’s performances, as well as with my own performance as a coach. As for the match against Polissia, it is the only game during this period that I’m not satisfied with and that I still blame myself for. As I stressed at the time, it was my fault as a coach. Overall, all our other performances during this period were good, and I’m pleased with them. The same goes for the match against PSV, for example. I’m a young coach, I’m continuing to learn and gaining a great deal of valuable experience. As my players improve, so do I as a coach. This is the path we have chosen, and the most important thing for me is that the players continue to progress from game to game. It is very important to understand the context we are in. We have to compete on two fronts and also represent our country in Europe. In my view, this makes our preparation 75% more difficult compared with our main domestic league opponents, as they do not have to deal with similar schedules. It is simply difficult to fit all of this into such a busy period of the calendar. I mean preparation, adequate analysis of the opposition and, in principle, time management and everything else.
– A large group of Shakhtar players will join the Ukraine national team for the Nations League matches, with a very important game against Hungary coming up. How do you assess the overall potential of the national team and what result do you expect Ukraine to achieve in the Nations League group?
– They must fight to the last drop of blood and sweat dripping from their shoulders as they usually do under my guidance. That is the minimum I expect from them, and I’m confident they can bring the same attitude to the national team jersey.
– You played for Atlético and Barcelona, and this year Shakhtar will face Real Madrid, who were fierce rivals of both clubs. Do you have any special plan and will you give the players any extra motivation for Real Madrid? And given that you scored the winning goal for Atlético at the Bernabéu, perhaps you know some secrets of how to beat Real Madrid?
– I will always love Atlético. I left a real family there, and despite everything, we remain in touch. I still keep in contact with all of them. I have so many stories connected with the Madrid club. I have many friends there – Koke, Gabi, as well as people from the current Atlético set-up. Drawing on all my experience, I can say that we can win. Taking this opportunity, I would like to wish our president, Rinat Akhmetov, a happy birthday, which is tomorrow. Usually, I suppose you do not often see a team’s head coach in the media wishing the president a happy birthday. However, for me, he is not just a president – he is an extraordinary person. Everything he does for his country, for us as a team, and the number of different concerns and responsibilities he manages. At the same time, he genuinely feels the football emotions and genuinely cares about the team. And I have met him personally. Every time we talk to him about football, about Shakhtar, about the country, I have seen how genuinely he feels those emotions. It really touched me to the depths of my soul. And that is why I sincerely want to say to him: happy birthday!
– Last time we spoke about Viktor Tsukanov, and you even joked that you would start him after my question. You did – and he scored. Perhaps we should talk about young players more often? And regarding the match: this is your first win over LNZ as Shakhtar head coach, so was it something special for you or just three points?
– Do you want me to give more playing time to young players? I think I already have the youngest squad of all the teams in the Ukrainian league and basically in European leagues as well. It seems to me that if I bring in a few more young players, UEFA will reclassify me as a Youth League coach. But let me give you a more serious answer as well. We need to gradually integrate Viktor Tsukanov into the squad. That means first bringing him on as a substitute, then giving him 45 minutes, and then 90 minutes in a cup match. It is important for us to protect our young players because they still need to reach the peak of their physical development, so we try not to rush the process too much. As for the clash with LNZ, it is an important one for us, not just about three points. We remember very well what happened here a year ago: we conceded four goals at home. So, of course, we expected the same level of commitment from the opposition and similar difficulties we would have to face. I have great respect for the team’s head coach, Vitalii Ponomarov, as well as for the whole LNZ club. Football taught me a simple truth a long time ago: you have to treat all opponent withs respect, especially when they have such a strong record against you.
– What were your emotions when you found out who you would face in the Ukrainian Cup Round of 16? And how long has it been since you played at stadiums like the one in Vilkhivtsi?
– I have to admit, it was quite strange to see a headline in the news feed saying that Shakhtar and Dynamo Kyiv would meet in the Ukrainian Cup Round of 16. But big games are always a great opportunity for a coach. It is every coach’s dream really, so I’m happy that my dream has come true. I also remember our previous clash with them in this same competition a year ago. Although the result was disappointing for us overall, I remember that game: we dominated possession for 60 minutes, and I’m convinced it was one of our best performances during my time in Ukraine. Since then, we have also made a lot of progress, analysed many things and become an even better version of ourselves. And regarding the stadium in Vilkhivtsi, which you asked about. I think it is a great opportunity to remind ourselves who we play for and who we travel for. I was delighted with the atmosphere at the stadium and I’m grateful to all the fans who came to support their team or simply to watch us. At the same time, I’m very grateful to my players for taking this clash very seriously and not underestimating the opponents.
– After LNZ were reduced to 10 men, Shakhtar were unable to break the deadlock for a long time. What instructions did you give the players at half-time to break down the opposition’s defence?
– I can say that the players implemented all the instructions I gave them at half-time, but, if you don’t mind, I won’t go into exactly what they were. The most important thing is that we managed to put them into practice.
– Regarding the red card, during your playing career you were also a fiery, emotional footballer. In your opinion, how much did this moment affect the outcome of the game? And what do you think about such tricks on the pitch, when you can provoke someone and make them react violently without being noticed? Do you think it is important to separate your relationship with opponents on the pitch from your relationship off it?
– Of course, I’m absolutely convinced that the red card had a direct and immediate impact on the course of the game, especially against such a disciplined, intelligent and composed opponents as LNZ. Yes, you are right, I was an emotional player and I continue to be a very emotional person in general. And I often paid the price for that throughout my career and in life in general. I received a red card in the Champions League Round of 16 and paid a high price for it. So yes, sometimes it can be difficult. However, on the other hand, we have to keep the game under control so that football remains a fair game and does not create unnecessary provocations. So it can be painful, but it is necessary.
– How much did today’s match show not only what the players are already capable of, but also what they still lack to reach the next level?
– In matches against teams, especially those who play a physical style of football, every detail is very important. It is not simply about making a decision, but about making it in the right place and at the right time. Playing against an opposition 3–5–2 system can be very different: it is one thing when it is relatively passive and gives you time to think, and quite another when it is the same formation but with a high press, where there is also plenty of physical contact and competition for the ball. For us, today was a very good lesson, and I’m convinced that we will be able to take valuable lessons from it. Overall, it was a good experience for us, and going forward, my players must understand that they cannot move faster than the football itself travels across the pitch. It is quite a basic truth, but I think this game reminded us of it once again.
– Congratulations on the victory! What did you expect from the team before this international break, and have your players fulfilled the objectives you had been working on with them just a couple of weeks ago?
– Overall, I’m satisfied with this period, satisfied with my team’s performances, as well as with my own performance as a coach. As for the match against Polissia, it is the only game during this period that I’m not satisfied with and that I still blame myself for. As I stressed at the time, it was my fault as a coach. Overall, all our other performances during this period were good, and I’m pleased with them. The same goes for the match against PSV, for example. I’m a young coach, I’m continuing to learn and gaining a great deal of valuable experience. As my players improve, so do I as a coach. This is the path we have chosen, and the most important thing for me is that the players continue to progress from game to game. It is very important to understand the context we are in. We have to compete on two fronts and also represent our country in Europe. In my view, this makes our preparation 75% more difficult compared with our main domestic league opponents, as they do not have to deal with similar schedules. It is simply difficult to fit all of this into such a busy period of the calendar. I mean preparation, adequate analysis of the opposition and, in principle, time management and everything else.
– A large group of Shakhtar players will join the Ukraine national team for the Nations League matches, with a very important game against Hungary coming up. How do you assess the overall potential of the national team and what result do you expect Ukraine to achieve in the Nations League group?
– They must fight to the last drop of blood and sweat dripping from their shoulders as they usually do under my guidance. That is the minimum I expect from them, and I’m confident they can bring the same attitude to the national team jersey.
– You played for Atlético and Barcelona, and this year Shakhtar will face Real Madrid, who were fierce rivals of both clubs. Do you have any special plan and will you give the players any extra motivation for Real Madrid? And given that you scored the winning goal for Atlético at the Bernabéu, perhaps you know some secrets of how to beat Real Madrid?
– I will always love Atlético. I left a real family there, and despite everything, we remain in touch. I still keep in contact with all of them. I have so many stories connected with the Madrid club. I have many friends there – Koke, Gabi, as well as people from the current Atlético set-up. Drawing on all my experience, I can say that we can win. Taking this opportunity, I would like to wish our president, Rinat Akhmetov, a happy birthday, which is tomorrow. Usually, I suppose you do not often see a team’s head coach in the media wishing the president a happy birthday. However, for me, he is not just a president – he is an extraordinary person. Everything he does for his country, for us as a team, and the number of different concerns and responsibilities he manages. At the same time, he genuinely feels the football emotions and genuinely cares about the team. And I have met him personally. Every time we talk to him about football, about Shakhtar, about the country, I have seen how genuinely he feels those emotions. It really touched me to the depths of my soul. And that is why I sincerely want to say to him: happy birthday!
– Last time we spoke about Viktor Tsukanov, and you even joked that you would start him after my question. You did – and he scored. Perhaps we should talk about young players more often? And regarding the match: this is your first win over LNZ as Shakhtar head coach, so was it something special for you or just three points?
– Do you want me to give more playing time to young players? I think I already have the youngest squad of all the teams in the Ukrainian league and basically in European leagues as well. It seems to me that if I bring in a few more young players, UEFA will reclassify me as a Youth League coach. But let me give you a more serious answer as well. We need to gradually integrate Viktor Tsukanov into the squad. That means first bringing him on as a substitute, then giving him 45 minutes, and then 90 minutes in a cup match. It is important for us to protect our young players because they still need to reach the peak of their physical development, so we try not to rush the process too much. As for the clash with LNZ, it is an important one for us, not just about three points. We remember very well what happened here a year ago: we conceded four goals at home. So, of course, we expected the same level of commitment from the opposition and similar difficulties we would have to face. I have great respect for the team’s head coach, Vitalii Ponomarov, as well as for the whole LNZ club. Football taught me a simple truth a long time ago: you have to treat all opponent withs respect, especially when they have such a strong record against you.
– What were your emotions when you found out who you would face in the Ukrainian Cup Round of 16? And how long has it been since you played at stadiums like the one in Vilkhivtsi?
– I have to admit, it was quite strange to see a headline in the news feed saying that Shakhtar and Dynamo Kyiv would meet in the Ukrainian Cup Round of 16. But big games are always a great opportunity for a coach. It is every coach’s dream really, so I’m happy that my dream has come true. I also remember our previous clash with them in this same competition a year ago. Although the result was disappointing for us overall, I remember that game: we dominated possession for 60 minutes, and I’m convinced it was one of our best performances during my time in Ukraine. Since then, we have also made a lot of progress, analysed many things and become an even better version of ourselves. And regarding the stadium in Vilkhivtsi, which you asked about. I think it is a great opportunity to remind ourselves who we play for and who we travel for. I was delighted with the atmosphere at the stadium and I’m grateful to all the fans who came to support their team or simply to watch us. At the same time, I’m very grateful to my players for taking this clash very seriously and not underestimating the opponents.
– After LNZ were reduced to 10 men, Shakhtar were unable to break the deadlock for a long time. What instructions did you give the players at half-time to break down the opposition’s defence?
– I can say that the players implemented all the instructions I gave them at half-time, but, if you don’t mind, I won’t go into exactly what they were. The most important thing is that we managed to put them into practice.
– Regarding the red card, during your playing career you were also a fiery, emotional footballer. In your opinion, how much did this moment affect the outcome of the game? And what do you think about such tricks on the pitch, when you can provoke someone and make them react violently without being noticed? Do you think it is important to separate your relationship with opponents on the pitch from your relationship off it?
– Of course, I’m absolutely convinced that the red card had a direct and immediate impact on the course of the game, especially against such a disciplined, intelligent and composed opponents as LNZ. Yes, you are right, I was an emotional player and I continue to be a very emotional person in general. And I often paid the price for that throughout my career and in life in general. I received a red card in the Champions League Round of 16 and paid a high price for it. So yes, sometimes it can be difficult. However, on the other hand, we have to keep the game under control so that football remains a fair game and does not create unnecessary provocations. So it can be painful, but it is necessary.
– How much did today’s match show not only what the players are already capable of, but also what they still lack to reach the next level?
– In matches against teams, especially those who play a physical style of football, every detail is very important. It is not simply about making a decision, but about making it in the right place and at the right time. Playing against an opposition 3–5–2 system can be very different: it is one thing when it is relatively passive and gives you time to think, and quite another when it is the same formation but with a high press, where there is also plenty of physical contact and competition for the ball. For us, today was a very good lesson, and I’m convinced that we will be able to take valuable lessons from it. Overall, it was a good experience for us, and going forward, my players must understand that they cannot move faster than the football itself travels across the pitch. It is quite a basic truth, but I think this game reminded us of it once again.