EXCLUSIVE: Arda Turan on coaching Shakhtar, playing with Messi & Turkey's World Cup hopes
In his initial season as a manager during 2023, he guided the Turkish team Eyupspor to promotion into the Super Lig, achieving their first ever entry into the elite division.
In the subsequent campaign, he guided them to an impressive sixth position in Turkey's premier league, which drew attention from Shakhtar.
Currently leading the Ukrainian side, he is close to securing a 16th domestic championship, while gearing up for a UEFA Conference League semi final matchup against Crystal Palace.
Shakhtar's sole European honour came from their 2009 UEFA Cup victory, and Turan aims to add to that legacy on the continental stage.
In an exclusive interview with Tolga Akdeniz from Flashscore, Turan shared insights on his tenure at Shakhtar, preparations for a vital phase of the season, his adventures in Spain alongside stars like Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, and his views on Turkey's prospects at the World Cup.
Shakhtar is having a stellar campaign under your leadership. You are poised to reclaim the Ukrainian Premier League crown, and you have advanced to the Conference League semi finals. Attaining the semi final stage in any European tournament is a notable accomplishment, particularly given the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. How are you feeling about it all? How do you assess your opening year with the club?
"To begin with, I must express my gratitude to Shakhtar. We boast a superb setup, which proves challenging to maintain amid the ongoing war. Regardless of how much one discusses it, truly grasping the situation requires living through it firsthand.
"Our journeys are lengthy, often lasting up to 15 hours. We shoulder the expectations of many, and we ensure our players sense this responsibility.
"Regarding the league, we shall persist with the utmost dedication right through to the conclusion. In the Conference League, we progressed this far via four qualifying stages. Securing a strong European finish could grant us direct entry into next season's Champions League group phase. We fully recognise the importance of that opportunity.
"The semi final matchup fills us with enthusiasm. It could inspire youngsters in Ukraine and beyond. We hold our rivals in high regard, yet we intend to execute our distinctive style, as our focus is on constructing a team oriented towards the long term. That vision drives us."
Prior to Shakhtar, you managed Eyupspor for a couple of seasons, and this marks your debut role overseas. What crossed your mind upon signing with the club, what goals did you set, and did you anticipate such rapid success?
"Truthfully, doubts can arise at times, but I held firm confidence in Shakhtar's football ethos and structure. Moreover, I place significant trust in my coaching approach and framework. It demands commitment. Newcomers find it tough to embrace, given our rigorous pre season and the need for repeated drills across various aspects.
"I am a manager who insists on absolute clarity for players on key elements. The rapport we have forged with our squad has propelled us to this point. Claiming zero doubts would be dishonest, yet I consistently trusted in our potential for achievement.
"That stems from my Eyupspor days, where I instructed my staff to prepare the team as if we were at Barcelona or Atletico Madrid. Thus, we were primed for the Shakhtar challenge."
Concerning your tactical approach: You worked under prominent figures like Fatih Terim, Luis Enrique, and Diego Simeone, each with strong characters. Terim and Enrique favoured bold, attacking football, whereas Simeone prioritised practicality and solidity. What lessons did you absorb from them, and how have they shaped your methods and preferred style?
"Simeone taught me the nuances of defence, such as optimal angles for doubling up on opponents, timing ball clearances, and forming the defensive line. He also showed that collective effort sustains you to the finish.
"From Luis Enrique, I gained knowledge on offensive tactics beyond just the lineup, including ways to counter various presses. He excelled at favouring passes over runs, enhancing triangular passes, and resolving wing presses.
"Terim emphasised systems and principles over mere numbers or shapes. He adapted solutions to individual players effortlessly. Additionally, he imparted wisdom on motivation and building player bonds.
"Enrique maintained direct dialogues with squad members, timing conversations aptly and respecting their roles.
"Overall, these mentors instilled a winning mentality within ethical bounds. Their diligence influenced me deeply, and I am thankful, hoping they witness their impact in my team's play someday."
Shakhtar has a tradition of nurturing young talents and cultivating elite players. How do you rate the development of your emerging stars this term?
"Our players' growth has been remarkable. This Shakhtar squad features more youth than previously, necessitated by the war's impact. Historically, we integrated young Brazilians who had senior international caps.
"These days, our youngsters hail from Brazil's U18, U19, and U20 levels, promising bright careers ahead. The evolving context requires adapted communication and learning styles, which we honour as they mature.
"This season, we rank among Europe's busiest teams in matches, providing invaluable exposure. Our average age might even qualify us for the UEFA Youth League."
You were known for your graceful play, relying on natural ability and intuition. Nowadays, discussions highlight players receiving less creative leeway, almost mechanised. As a coach, how would you handle a flair player on your roster?
"I aim to preserve football's artistry, enhancing it for future generations' enjoyment. While tactics have advanced over the past decade or so, I strive to grant maximum freedom on the field.
"In the initial and middle zones, we enforce structure, expecting adherence. However, in the final third, their creativity and skills are essential.
"Football is progressing, yet it may circle back somewhat, as constant man marking throughout a match seems unsustainable.
"The Champions League group clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich illustrated this well. Thus, individual flair and ball carrying will gain prominence, particularly contextually on the pitch.
"Players must enjoy liberty, but strategically positioned."
Regarding such creative types, do you sense a decline in genuine individual brilliance compared to your era? Fewer unpredictable geniuses?
"Stars evolve in form. Previously, a fine first touch, stylish passes, or solo runs defined them. Today, dynamism defines them, like Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Kenan Yildiz, or Lamine Yamal, excelling in rapid duels.
"The archetype shifts, from midfield maestros and playmakers to explosive wingers.
"Yet, for me, Messi remains the unparalleled figure in global football while he competes, beyond comparison."
You meet Crystal Palace in the semi finals, pursuing Shakhtar's second European prize since their 2009 UEFA Cup win. What are your impressions of Palace, and what obstacles do they pose?
"I visited Selhurst Park in December to observe them in person. Their manager is outstanding, with prior European success, adept at facing giants. Palace embodies a true tactician's side.
"They operate as a unit, full of energy. Strong in duels, versatile in attack and defence, proficient in high pressing and retreating into shape.
"They merit admiration, and this fixture will test us, as we build a Shakhtar capable of deep Champions League runs.
"That ambition makes encountering a battle hardened Premier League outfit like Palace a valuable benchmark for our progress."
You praised Glasner highly for his impact at Palace. Any specific players you view as threats to neutralise?
"Focusing on individuals against a cohesive unit like that would err, as any player can influence proceedings unpredictably. Thus, no single target.
"In a two legged tie, isolating names risks complacency; vigilance across the board is key.
"As noted, their transitions, set pieces, crosses, and line play are potent. Treat it collectively, respecting their collective threat, especially with high sprint volumes per match."
As a head coach, how do you approach a high stakes semi final like this, and what will you convey to your team beforehand?
"In two legged encounters, sustaining peak performance for full durations is rare, so managing key phases proves crucial. Concentration must remain sharp.
"Palace's physical prowess demands readiness for battles. Lacking that semi final mindset spells danger. Preparation for pivotal moments is vital, anticipating pressure periods.
"Much action may unfold in our territory, requiring resilience. Embrace physicality above all.
"Facing Premier League opposition mandates full physical and mental preparedness. Unity breeds success, though challenges abound, together we prevail."
Your tone lit up mentioning Messi. What was transitioning to Barcelona like? Did the atmosphere shift noticeably, even in the locker room with him, Xavi, and Iniesta?
"I hold immense esteem for those icons, but upon arrival, I brought five trophies, including LaLiga, to the table. They were idols turned colleagues, and I joined as an active contributor, not an onlooker.
"I claimed major honours with them and integrated seamlessly into their setup. I thrived there, delivering as intended."
At Atletico, you helped dethrone Real Madrid and Barcelona's dominance. How did clinching the 2014 LaLiga title, playing a key part, feel?
"That ranks among football's most extraordinary triumphs, rivalled perhaps only by Leicester's feat, but against history's finest duo, it stands supreme.
"Pride swelled, alongside valuable lessons. We confronted superior talent like Messi, Ronaldo, Higuain, Neymar, Benzema, yet unity proved that collective resolve conquers all.
"It taught that righteous effort yields victory in sport and beyond, inspiring the football world."
Emerging from Galatasaray's academy, how did it mould you, and what did captaining your beloved club young signify?
"Realising a boy's aspiration surpasses all. Leading Galatasaray at that tender age marked life's pinnacle moments. The club faced harsher straits then, without our current stadium or facilities, trailing rivals financially.
"As skipper, I embodied the defiant ethos amid adversity. In today's social media era, grasping that grit may elude, but it forged invaluable lessons on and off field.
"Those times fill me with pride, fulfilling a young dream."
Turkey returns to the World Cup for the third occasion, first since 2002. Your reaction to qualification, and Montella's work?
"Montella exceeds expectations for us, delivering superbly. We appreciate and honour him. Today's Turkey squad radiates team spirit beyond its stars.
"Qualification stirred national pride and joy. This exciting group demands our backing and hopes. What nation could seek more?"
Which Turkish players stand out to you as pivotal for the World Cup, and what heights might they reach?
"The World Cup evokes unique optimism. They surpass mere aspirations. Stars like Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz spark thrill, with Hakan Calhanoglu leading capably.
"Yet, their unity holds the true power. Consider Ugurcan Cakır in goal, robust full backs Zeki Celik and Ferdi Kadıoglu, midfield anchors Ismail Yuksek and Orkun Kokcu, prospects like Baris Alper Yilmaz, Kerem Akturkoglu, Yunus Akgun.
"Beyond individuals, their cohesion defines them. Favourable circumstances could propel far, perhaps to the finale, contingent on the path, but they inspire brotherly belief without pressure."
Turkey's EURO 2008 semi final path was thrilling, with your crucial strikes. How was that tournament experience, your nation's highlight?
"That era shone brightly. I excelled and contributed across matches, including qualifiers under distinct rules then.
"Guus Hiddink's guidance elevated us. In national duty, I reminded teammates of our fortune, urging constant appreciation.
"No single peak defines my international pride, though EURO 2008 endures as a landmark success. Personally, it mixes joy with regret, believing victory was within reach."