Arda Turan Addresses Coaching Future and Shares Views on Football Legends
Shakhtar Donetsk coach Arda Turan addresses rumors about managing the Turkish National Team and Galatasaray. During a recent interview, he clarified his career goals, expressed respect for current managers, and offered his definitive take on the ongoing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo rivalry.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1 MIN READ- Arda Turan is currently achieving success as the head coach of Shakhtar Donetsk.
- He dismissed rumors of taking over the Turkish National Team, citing respect for the current coach.
- Turan expressed deep respect for Galatasaray's Okan Buruk, delaying thoughts of succeeding him.
- He described Lionel Messi as being beyond human levels compared to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Arda Turan, the current head coach of Shakhtar Donetsk, recently sat down for an extensive interview to address various topics, including his career aspirations, his views on footballing legends, and speculation surrounding his future in management. The former midfield star, who has found significant success in the Ukrainian League, spoke candidly about the challenges he faces and his long-term goals as a coach.
Arda Turan Discusses Career Ambitions and Management
During the conversation, Arda Turan addressed the recurring question of whether he would eventually take over as the head coach of Galatasaray, succeeding Okan Buruk. He expressed deep respect for the current manager, stating that he does not feel it is appropriate to speculate on taking the position while someone else is in charge. He noted that his emotional connection to the club is strong and that, should the opportunity arise in the future after Okan Buruk moves on to European giants, he would be open to discussing it.
The manager also touched upon his broader coaching philosophy and ambition. He highlighted the influence of world-class mentors he played under, such as Luis Enrique, Diego Simeone, Fatih Terim, and Pep Guardiola. Arda Turan acknowledged that these experiences provided him with a unique advantage. His ultimate goal is to lead top-tier European teams, and he is actively refining his own tactical systems to reach that level.
Regarding his current role at Shakhtar Donetsk, the coach admitted that the absence of a home stadium for Champions League matches creates a difficult environment, as the team must travel extensively for each fixture. Despite these logistical hurdles, he remains committed to his brand of football and is determined to compete against the highest level of opposition.
Views on Global Football Icons
Arda Turan did not shy away from the perennial debate comparing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He offered high praise for both players, confirming that he considers Cristiano Ronaldo one of the greatest football players in history. However, he maintained a firm stance on the Argentine superstar, famously remarking that while Ronaldo is the best human player, Lionel Messi exists on a level that feels otherworldly.
Addressing recent rumors linking him to the Turkish National Team following their exit from the FIFA 2026 World Cup, the manager dismissed the speculation. He insisted that the national squad is currently in the hands of a capable head coach, effectively shutting down any immediate rumors of a managerial change. As Arda Turan continues to build his career, his focus remains firmly on development and proving his mettle in high-pressure European competitions.
