- Arda Turan compliments semi final opponents
- Shakhtar’s circumstances causing fatigue
- Palace must avoid complacency
Shakhtar Donetsk manager Arda Turan has heaped praise on Crystal Palace ahead of the Europa Conference League semi final first leg on Thursday. Turan, who played for Barcelona during his professional career, spoke to Shakhtar’s media team following his side’s 3-1 Ukrainian Premier League victory over Kudrivka.
Shakhtar and Palace clash in Krakow on Thursday evening, in Palace’s first ever European semi final, a historic moment for the South London club.
Ahead of the tournament’s first matchday, Palace were odds-on favourites to lift the Conference League trophy in May, and Oliver Glasner’s side have a huge chance to do just that.
Turan on Palace
Whilst his official pre-match press conference is being held tomorrow, Arda Turan was asked about Thursday’s bout following his side’s most recent fixture.
“They are a top-level team playing in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. We do not know how else to assess our opponents…”
Turan’s statement can be interpreted in different ways. Firstly, one would assume that there has indeed been more assessment than simply looking at the league Palace compete in. Secondly, Shakhtar are extremely cautious ahead of this tie.
“We are tired – first of all mentally, psychologically..because it really takes a lot of our life energy.”
The Ukrainian side nicknamed ‘The Miners’ are having to travel consistently to play their games, with some fixtures being played in Ukraine but the majority in Poland.
This means that even for home fixtures, travel is a necessity, which Turan admitted is taking a toll on his side.
“The conditions in which we have to play, and the whole schedule in general, are extremely demanding. What we ask for from our players is extremely demanding.”
The suggestion is that as the season has worn on, Shakhtar have been progressively feeling the strains and pressures of their circumstances, which is good news for Palace.
Palace must assert dominance
Whilst Shakhtar will be no push-overs, it is vital that Palace travel to Krakow and assert their dominance on their counterparts. Having the second leg at Selhurst Park is a huge advantage for Glasner’s side, as it allows for a simpler task this week.
A win must be the priority, but a draw would not be the worst result possible. Palace undoubtedly possess the necessary tools to dismantle Shakhtar, but the side built with a spine of Ukrainians muscled out with Brazilian flair will go into the game with the same goal.
Palace have already beaten Ukrainian opposition this season, in their first Conference League game. A 2-0 away win over Dynamo Kyiv in Lublin, despite a red card for Borna Sosa, kicked off the Eagle’s campaign.
