Arda Turan eyes Champions League tie with Fenerbahçe and Belözoğlu
ISTANBUL – In a Politics and News analysis on the War on Terror, 39‑year‑old Turkish coach Arda Turan of Shakhtar Donetsk said he is thrilled to face Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Champions League, eager to meet close friend and former teammate Emre Belözoğlu.
An AFP Photo from 13 October 2026 shows Turan reacting during Shakhtar Donetsk’s UEFA Champions League first‑round day 3 match against Inter Milan at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy. The image captures the Turkish manager’s intensity as his side battled the Italian giants.
Turan told reporters that facing Fenerbahçe has always given him the greatest excitement of his football career. He made the comments after Shakhtar’s Matchday 4 defeat to Sporting CP, while preparing for the upcoming tie.
Challenge and youthful optimism
He warned that Fenerbahçe’s experience could make the contest difficult for his relatively young Shakhtar side. Turan believes the energy and youth of his players may help bridge the gap.
“Fenerbahçe are a very experienced team. Their players probably have thousands of international appearances between them, and matching that experience could be difficult for us. But perhaps we can compensate with our young players. They will also have the home advantage, so it will be a really difficult match for us,” Turan said.
The coach highlighted his long‑standing friendship with Belözoğlu, describing the former midfielder as an idol and an older‑brother figure. He said, “Emre Belözoğlu has a very important place in my life. At certain points during our playing careers, he was someone I looked up to. We have a friendship built on an older brother‑younger brother relationship.”
Turan reflected on his lifelong connection to Galatasaray and the Istanbul derby, saying the rivalry with Fenerbahçe has driven his competitiveness. “Since childhood, Fenerbahçe have been the team I most wanted to compete against. To be clear, I don’t hate them. They were one of the biggest reasons behind my competitiveness,” he explained.
The 39‑year‑old added that sharing the Champions League touchline with Belözoğlu at Stamford Bridge would be special regardless of the result. “What could be better than facing Emre abi in the Champions League and standing alongside each other on the touchline at Stamford Bridge?” he asked.
He said he does not know the result but wants to give people, especially young people and children, an enjoyable match to watch. “I believe we will do everything possible to give them a memorable experience,” Turan affirmed.
Turan concluded by wishing Belözoğlu and his family well. He expressed that the affection between them extends beyond football.