View from the opposition: Turan on his semi-final mission to give hope

Match previews

30 Apr 2026

The first leg of the UEFA Conference League semi-final sees Crystal Palace travel to Poland to face Shakhtar Donetsk in Kraków – here is what Shakhtar coach Arda Turan had to say ahead of the tie...

In their head coach's words...

Turan spoke of the hope Shakhtar's footballing success can give to the Ukrainian people, as his team prepare for the business end of the competition.

In his first season with the club, the former Turkey international has led Shakhtar to the UEFA Conference League last four and has them sat at the top of the Ukrainian Premier League, having lost just twice domestically all season.

"I’m very happy that we have reached this level," he said at his pre-match press briefing. "I’m a bit of a dreamer and I never give up on my dreams – I always want to believe in them and pass that belief on to my players.

"There are many reasons that could make us say things might have been different, but right now we are trying to give hope to our families and to people in Ukraine.

"Despite the war, people continue to take their children to school, visit coffee shops and live their lives.

"We show that even in such difficult times we do not lose heart and want to show the whole world that we do not give up, even while there is a war. This is our mission."

Shakhtar have played their European home games in Krakow throughout the season. But despite the challenges that come with this, Turan believes his side are ready to put in a performance to match the occasion.

Quote Icons

We are trying to give hope to our families and to people in Ukraine.
—Arda Turan

"If we talk about the team, the players are in excellent physical condition. We have had many intense conversations, but this all strengthens and teaches them as people.

"They are young, and their psychological state is extremely important. Sometimes, of course, it is difficult. The expectations for them are very high; it is a big responsibility.

"It is not easy for them, and our fans cannot support them in the same way as in Ukraine because we are currently in a different country.

"The players spend a lot of time on the road and on buses, and that is also difficult, but they have accepted it and continue to fight and improve. I’m sure they will succeed as I see the desire in their eyes.

"We must accept that Crystal Palace are physically stronger than us, but we believe in ourselves, we will try our best and we know we will do everything in our power. That is why I have great hope for the next match."

Shakhtar team news

Turan was asked about the fitness of Fesiun, Marlon Gomes and Pedrinho. The trio have not featured in recent games but have travelled to Kraków.

"If we are talking about muscle injuries," Turan said. "I think the situation is difficult. I’m constantly in contact with these players and we will see how it develops."

From the pitch

Shakhtar midfielder Oleh Ocheretko also took part in the pre-match press conference.

The Ukraine international said his side have a plan to deal with Palace's physicality and ability in the air.

"We know they have a very tall striker, but we will play smart, so to speak, and try not to allow crosses into the box for him," he said.

"The mood is great. We can’t wait to play; everyone is feeling very positive. We also want to feel a great atmosphere at the stadium from our fans.

"We have come through a very difficult and demanding journey. We are travelling to different countries every two days, and this will be another tough test, playing against this team.

"But of course, everyone wants to prove themselves against sides from the top-five leagues, especially against a club like Crystal Palace."

Their UEFA Conference League journey so far

Shakhtar's European campaign started way back in early-July in UEFA Europa League qualifying. Finnish side Ilves was swept aside 6-0 in the opening round of qualifying to set up a meeting with Beşiktaş.

An impressive 4-2 away win at the Turkish giants helped earn a 6-2 aggregate victory, with the Miners now just one tie away from the league phase.

A penalty shootout defeat to Greek side Panathinaikos in the third qualifying round, after two goalless legs plus extra-time, meant the Europa League dream was over.

But that meant Shakhtar moved into the Conference League, which has proved a blessing. After seeing off Servette FC in the qualifying round, four wins out of six league phase games saw them finish sixth in the final league table which meant advancing directly to the Round of 16.

A difficult tie against Polish champions Lech Poznań followed. Shakhtar produced an impressive 3-1 away victory in the first leg, with Isaque Silva scoring a spectacular overhead kick that will surely be remembered as one of the goals of the season.

The return leg proved trickier. Complacency appeared to creep in as Shakhtar found themselves 2-0 down at half-time. However, a fortunate own goal — following a series of deflections — helped settle nerves and ensured progression to the quarter-finals.

On paper, AZ Alkmaar represented their toughest challenge of the campaign. But the Ukranian Cup holders responded in emphatic fashion, producing a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg — a match made even more significant by the presence of club president Rinat Akhmetov, who attended his first game in 12 years.

A disciplined performance in the second leg earned a 2-2 draw, sealing progression to only the third European semi-final in Shakhtar’s history.

Match Details

Shakhtar Donetsk v Crystal Palace

Thursday, 30th April
20:00 BST
Henryk Reyman Municipal Stadium
UEFA Conference League semi-final

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