The former Turkey and Atletico Madrid star was named new Shakhtar coach this week. He is the first Turkish coach in Shakhtar Donetsk's history and has signed a contract until 2027
Turan says this is the biggest step in his coaching career, stating: “We will win the championship. I believe in it."
But the goals are not just internal. Turan, who successfully led Eyüpspor from Turkey’s Second Division to a 6th place finish in the Süper Lig in just two seasons, believes in a Shakhtar at European level.
“I was at the Arsenal vs PSG semi-final match in the Champions League. Now I dream that Shakhtar could be one of those teams in the semi-finals one day.
“I’m very lucky because we are going to work with a club like Shakhtar, which has a deep historical background. So as a staff, we will add some details to this heritage and make every player understand that he is a Shakhtar player, a valuable footballer and part of a valuable club with a big history.”
Playing style
Turan plans to put into practice a style of play that has matured over the years as a result of the influence of the various coaches he has worked with throughout his career.
“I have my own system called the Arda Turan system. I got everything good from them (managers he played for), but I created my own style. My game is based on two things: passing and reacting. Reaction can be offensive and defensive. We will teach that and go step by step.
“What I need to underline is that starting with Darijo (Srna), Mr. (Serhii) Palkin, you sitting here in my house, all the WhatsApp groups we’ve created, what I feel is love. If we love what we do, we will achieve great results. So, I am very happy to be at Shakhtar.
“Mr Palkin is a true gentleman. I need to emphasise this. I was impressed by him as a person.”
Turan added, “I want every young Turkish player, Galatasaray, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona fan to follow Shakhtar on all social media platforms. 80 million people support us right now. I don’t know about social media, but the Turkish people are always with me. I know their hearts are always with me.”