27.11.2025 17:50
Shakhtar Donetsk's head coach Arda Turan made statements ahead of their match against Shamrock Rovers in the UEFA Conference League. Despite all the challenges, Arda Turan noted that they look at everything from a positive perspective, saying, "I learned this from the Ukrainians. When I first went there, bombs were exploding. They would say, 'Okay, a missile was fired, it's over.' Drones are not a problem for them at all. I have a lot of respect for that. If you ask me, I could list 100 negative things."
Shakhtar Donetsk's head coach Arda Turan, who will face Shamrock Rovers away in the UEFA Conference League, made statements before the match, discussing the difficulties they have faced and his deep respect for the Ukrainian people.
'WE ARRIVED IN IRELAND IN 16 HOURS'
Stating that they traveled to Ireland in 16 hours for the match, Arda Turan said, 'We arrived here in 16 hours. Our organization is perfect, we have a great bus, we have a great plane. But after 16 hours, we are here. This is very difficult for a football team. Now we will train, but it will be a special training. Because after a 16-hour journey, it is very hard for us.' he stated.
'I LEARNED THIS FROM UKRAINIANS'
Despite all the difficulties, Arda Turan noted that they look at everything positively, saying, "I learned this from Ukrainians. When I first went there, bombs were exploding. They would say, 'Okay, a missile was fired, it passed.' Drones, they are no problem at all. I have great respect for them. If you ask me, I can list 100 negative things." he expressed.
'I FEEL THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE LIKE MY FAMILY'
The successful coach expressed that he feels the Ukrainian people like his family, stating, "Life is very hard for children. They could think about Mars, other planets. Now is not the time for war. If you spend a night in Kyiv, you cannot talk about football. But these people, they did it, I respect that. I love the Ukrainian people. I love my players. It doesn't matter to me whether they win or lose. I am here for them. Also, I feel the Ukrainian people like my family." he said.