EXCLUSIVE: Bondarenko dreams of war's end as Shakhtar enter Conference League quarters
Now 25 years old, Bondarenko is making the most of a key season at Shakhtar Donetsk. During an exclusive discussion with Flashscore Italia, the midfielder shares insights on his recent performances, along with the individuals who supported his professional development and helped the team advance to the Conference League quarter-finals.
Flashscore: Shakhtar currently tops the league table alongside LNZ Cherkasy, and you are set to compete in the Conference League quarter-finals. Between the two, which one takes priority for you?
Bondarenko: "For our team, the league holds greater importance, as our coach Arda Turan has pointed out, since securing it would qualify us for the Champions League again. That said, the Conference League remains a vital target, and we aim to progress as far as possible in it.
"We are up against AZ in the first leg of the quarter-finals in Krakow, though I truly know little about them yet; our coach has not shared details (this interview took place on Tuesday, 7 April).
You began your career under Roberto De Zerbi as his coach.
"He served as my mentor. Fresh in the senior squad, I can say he guided me through nearly all the essentials! I believe he will excel at Tottenham too; in my view, he ranks among the top coaches globally."
De Zerbi himself played in positions like yours during his career: left-back and attacking midfielder. What training aspects did he focus on with you?
"(Laughing) He covered plenty, starting with techniques for striking the ball using my left foot, and he introduced fresh ideas each time. His coaching style impressed me deeply, not just in personal interactions. He was exceptional and imparted a wealth of knowledge."
Did he teach you any Italian phrases?
"Tutto bene!" (he responds in Italian). Other terms or sayings I picked up are not suitable for repeating. They mostly involve profanity! (laughing)"
Your current manager is Arda Turan, a retired player with an impressive background. How do the two coaches compare?
"Both inspire strong emotions in the squad and share similar tactical approaches. In essence, they are managers brimming with promise."
In the Champions League about two and a half years back, you faced a then 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who at 18 now seems like the premier talent worldwide.
"That is correct, and it feels almost surreal, yet it is the case. At present, I see no one outperforming him. He displays remarkable poise and operates at an elite level. All the praise he receives is well-earned, I am certain."
Shakhtar has been your club since your youth academy days, where you developed fully. How does it feel to be displaced from your hometown due to the ongoing war?
"My connection to this club runs deep, and I continue representing it amid all challenges. Still, my wish for all is the war in Ukraine to conclude. Following that, it would be wonderful to reunite with our supporters as we once knew them and resume matches at our home ground (the Donbas Arena)."
How did it feel for you and your teammates to depart Ukraine amid the Russian invasion?
"We spent considerable time in Kyiv, and when the conflict erupted, we awaited guidance from authorities. It took roughly two months before we departed to arrange friendly games, primarily to generate funds for war-affected individuals."
What about the full year of displacement in Germany? (Shakhtar used the Schalke 04 stadium for the 2024/25 season)
"That period brought profound sadness and hardship. Regrettably, playing away from home in Ukraine has become routine for us. On a positive note, encountering Ukrainian supporters across Europe and beyond brought joy, and I am grateful for their backing regardless of location."
Beyond Shakhtar, do you support any other clubs?
"I am a fan of PSG, and I make a point of viewing and sharing games from teams managed by De Zerbi with my colleagues."
Who inspired you most as a player?
"My influences include three players: Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos, and Sergio Busquets."
With so many Brazilian players at Shakhtar, has their typical positivity helped navigate tough times, like those in recent years?
"Indeed, their constant cheer and optimism are a real asset to the group. They bring calm to the team and even shared some Brazilian Portuguese phrases with me. That being said, I am not quite ready to consider a move to play in Brazil just yet (laughing)."
Which of your Brazilian teammates might suit the national side?
"(Smiling) Interesting query! Looking ahead, I reckon Alisson Santana and Isaque Silva possess strong potential for it."
Reflecting on your Champions League outings: what stands out as your favourite moment?
"Definitely the encounter with Real Madrid in Warsaw. That was in October 2022, pitting me against one of my heroes, Toni Kroos. The game will stay etched in my mind, not just for the valuable draw we earned (1-1), but also since I was named player of the match."
Your national team, Ukraine, missed the World Cup after playoff elimination. Which side will you support?
"Portugal, without question."
Why is that?
"I truly wish for Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the World Cup trophy."