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Turkish football manager Arda Turan started his new chapter as head coach of Shakhtar Donetsk with a 1–0 win over Croatian side HNK Gorica in a preseason friendly, marking a positive debut for the former Türkiye international.
Turan, 38, signed a two-year deal with the Ukrainian club following the end of his contract with Türkiye’s Eyupspor. The match, held in Croatia as part of Shakhtar’s training camp, was his first in charge.
Speaking after the game, Turan praised his players for their performance and expressed surprise at how well they responded to his early tactical ideas.
“My players showed a great reaction,” he said. “I saw everything I wanted on the field. We are trying to implement new principles and make the game more dynamic. Today, there was pressing, possession, and efficiency in attack.”
The former Galatasaray and Atletico Madrid midfielder admitted he was not expecting such a strong start.
“They really surprised me—in a very good way,” Turan said. “We focused on our principles, but what I saw gives me great confidence for the future. They need to keep playing like this—dynamic, energetic. I’m very pleased with today. I believe the players are happy too.”
Turan is Shakhtar’s first-ever Turkish head coach and one of the youngest to lead the club in recent memory.
The team continues its preparations ahead of the new Ukrainian Premier League season.
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