Arda Turan: ‘When Real and Barça went on tours Atlético ran in the mountains’

The fiery passion that defined Arda Turan’s playing career, a mercurial blend of brilliance and controversy, has seemingly found a new, calmer outlet on the touchline. Appointed head coach of Shakhtar Donetsk in May, the Turkish football icon faces one of Europe’s more delicate managerial assignments, yet he approaches it with a newfound serenity that belies his tempestuous past. “When there is something going on, right now the first thing that comes into my mind is thinking rather than reacting,” Turan states, a grin hinting at the internal battle won. This shift in temperament, a stark contrast to the player who famously threw a boot at a linesman, is a testament to the lessons absorbed from two of the game’s most demanding mentors: Diego Simeone and Luis Enrique.

Turan’s transformation from a combustible midfielder to a composed tactician is perhaps the most intriguing subplot of his new chapter. His playing days saw him thrill audiences with audacious skill and infuriate with moments of indiscipline. Now, armed with the wisdom gleaned from Simeone's intense, disciplined approach at Atlético Madrid and Luis Enrique's tactical nous at Barcelona, Turan aims to instill a different kind of fire in his players – one forged in resilience rather than raw emotion. The disciplined ethos he experienced at Atlético, where the club’s identity was built on hard work and an underdog spirit, resonates deeply with his current challenge. His evocative quote about Real and Barcelona touring while Atlético toiled in the mountains perfectly encapsulates the grit and determination he intends to cultivate.

Shakhtar Donetsk, a club synonymous with Champions League football for two decades, finds itself in an unfamiliar predicament. This season marks only their second since the turn of the century without a guaranteed spot in Europe's elite competition, forcing them into the Europa League first qualifying round. Their competitive debut under Turan, against Finnish side Ilves, is not merely a formality but the first step in a crucial rebuilding phase. The club has taken a significant gamble by entrusting its future to a managerial novice, albeit one of Turkey's greatest ever footballers, during a period of considerable upheaval. The pressure to restore Shakhtar to their former glory, especially against the backdrop of their unique challenges, will test Turan’s newfound calm and his tactical acumen to the fullest.

The journey ahead for Turan and Shakhtar is undoubtedly arduous, but the foundational principles he brings from his playing career, particularly the unwavering resolve fostered at Atlético, could be precisely what the Ukrainian giants need. His philosophy, rooted in preparation, mental fortitude, and a collective work ethic, aims to turn adversity into strength. As Shakhtar navigates the demanding path back to the pinnacle of European football, Turan’s ability to inspire his team to "run in the mountains" while others bask in the limelight will be the true measure of his managerial prowess. The coming season will reveal whether the firebrand has truly become the calculating strategist, capable of leading Shakhtar back to where they belong.