07.11.2026 09:00
Fenerbahçe's new head coach Emre Belözoğlu made striking statements before the match in which they will face Arda Turan, who is managing Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. Belözoğlu, who praised his former teammate, said, "He is a very valuable brother of mine. He is achieving great things abroad." The experienced coach said that friendship will be at the forefront in the historic encounter, but both sides will fight to win.
Emre Belözoğlu, who was appointed as head coach at Fenerbahçe, spoke about Arda Turan, the head coach of Shakhtar Donetsk, whom they will face in the Champions League, at the signing ceremony held. While the fact that two important names of Turkish football will be rivals in Europe's biggest club competition draws attention, Belözoğlu expressed his respect for his former teammate.
HISTORIC MEETING IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
The Champions League clash to be played between Fenerbahçe and Shakhtar Donetsk will bring two Turkish head coaches face to face. At the signing ceremony, Belözoğlu was reminded that for the first time in Champions League history two Turkish head coaches would be rivals, and he was asked about his thoughts on Arda Turan. Belözoğlu stated that this match carried a special meaning for him and expressed that he would be proud to be a rival to his former teammate.
"A VERY DEAR BROTHER OF MINE"
Emre Belözoğlu, recalling that he and Arda Turan had competed together in the Turkish national team jersey in the past, said that he appreciated the work the young head coach had put forward abroad.
Belözoğlu said, "It will be a separate source of pride for me. He is a very dear brother of mine. We served the national team jersey together. He is doing very good things abroad."
HE SETS AN EXAMPLE FOR EVERYONE UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
Touching also on Arda Turan's work at Shakhtar Donetsk, Belözoğlu emphasized that his former teammate had done successful work despite difficult conditions. The new head coach of Fenerbahçe praised Turan, saying, "Under very difficult conditions, he shows many of our colleagues how to behave and how to work."
IT WILL BE FRIENDSHIP BEYOND COMPETITION
Sharing his expectations regarding the Champions League match, Emre Belözoğlu stated that the friendship between him and Arda Turan would not be affected by the competition on the field, but that both teams would fight to win. Belözoğlu said, "It will be a perfect match for us. Both he and I will work to win. There will be friendship beyond competition, but we will work with all our might to win. It will be a beautiful match, a beautiful coincidence."