Former Lviv “Karpaty” player Yuriy Benyo shared his thoughts on the work of the main coach of the “miners” Arda Turan following the team’s defeat by “Legia” (1:2) in the Conference League.
Yuriy Benyo— How do you assess Turan’s decision to field a reserve squad, completely changing the primary line-up after the match with “Polissya”? What prompted this decision?
— It’s difficult to judge since we don’t know the internal situation, but likely it is connected with the fact that not all players are feeling well, and some might have minor injuries or discomfort following international games. “Shakhtar” is now entering a period of critical matches in the Ukrainian championship and the Cup, including two games against “Dynamo.”
The planning is obviously aimed at ensuring that players approach these key matches in the best possible condition. Currently, the main focus is on the Ukrainian championship, because there are no more chances to lose points there, many have already been lost.
— Do I understand correctly that “Shakhtar” is repeating the path of “Dynamo” last season, where they sacrificed European competitions for domestic battles?
— Yes, this is what most clubs in Europe do that play in the Europa League or the Conference League. They try to rotate. To do this, you need to have 22−23 full-fledged players for each position. For “Shakhtar,” losing points in the Conference League is not a tragedy now, but in the championship, the goal is to win it. That’s all.
— Can the work of Turan be fully evaluated now, given that he needs this time?
— You know, in modern football, there is no such thing as giving you a year to form a team. When you come to a club like “Shakhtar,” they demand quality play and results simultaneously.
If you purchase players for 15−20 million, you cannot lose to the likes of LNZ, which buys players for 800 thousand. Even if you rotate, you have players sitting in the rotation that cost millions.
If point loss becomes systematic, management will, of course, question this. Therefore, the games against “Dynamo” can be key.
