15.04.2026 01:10
Arda Turan, who manages Shakhtar Donetsk, expressed his grievance to the Ukrainian Federation. Speaking about the second half of their match starting 40 minutes late due to an air raid alert in the region, Turan reacted to having to play matches early in the day, stating, 'I have loved this country very much and I love you all, but if a Ukrainian team is to succeed, it is now impossible to try playing matches at these hours. It is impossible for a footballer not to suffer muscle injuries; there is no scientific basis for it.'
Shakhtar Donetsk, managed by Arda Turan, drew 2-2 with LNZ Cherkasy in the 23rd week of the Ukrainian Premier League. The match was marked by air raid alarm sirens sounding at halftime and the second half starting with a 40-minute delay.
"WE ARE STRUGGLING A LOT, WE CANNOT PRACTICE"
Speaking on this issue, Arda Turan targeted the Ukrainian Football Federation regarding the match time, saying, "I have never tried to go through life with excuses. I can say that playing at this hour on this field today is very difficult. Coming from Krakow, from the AZ Stadium, and playing here is very tough for a team. In the first half, we made simple mistakes along with the wind. I find myself at fault; I should have prepared the team better. I tried to give warnings, but it's not easy for the players to grasp. To overcome this, we need to prepare. One motivation in three days, the journeys... We are struggling a lot, we cannot practice. We have to show it in theory. It's not easy; the alarm sounds, we wait inside for a long time, but of course, our priority is always the war and human health. I am sorry for losing points. We will discuss this among ourselves and try to do our best against Polissya; we will play against the best team in the league. An easy match does not await us; it will be a historic match for us."
"I LOVE THIS COUNTRY VERY MUCH, BUT..."
Continuing his words, the young coach said, "I want to say something to the Ukrainian Federation. I have come to love this country very much, and I love you all very much, but if a Ukrainian team is to be successful, it is now impossible to try to play matches at these hours because it is impossible for a footballer traveling 16 hours every three days not to suffer a muscle injury; there is no scientific basis for it. It is contrary to human health."