Arda Turan jokes he would sit back with Kroos, Modric and Casemiro

Shakhtar Donetsk manager Arda Turan said he would sit through an entire match if he had Real Madrid’s former midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro at his disposal.

The former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid player was speaking after Shakhtar drew 1-1 with PSV Eindhoven in the opening round of the Champions League on Thursday, when he was asked about his animated behaviour on the touchline.

Turan is known for his constant involvement during matches, regularly issuing instructions and reacting strongly to incidents on the pitch. But he offered a light-hearted explanation by referring to the three players who formed a highly successful midfield at Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid’s traditional rivals.

“If I had Kroos, Modric and Casemiro, I would sit for the whole 90 minutes,” Turan said.

His comments suggested that he would have little need to intervene if he could rely on the control and experience provided by the former Real Madrid midfielders.

Turan’s emotions were also evident during the match against PSV. In the 85th minute, he reacted angrily to a decision by Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler and was shown a yellow card.

After the final whistle, however, the Shakhtar manager accepted that his response had been inappropriate and praised the referee and his officials for their performance.

“That was my mistake,” said Turan. “Halil had a very good game today. His team were extremely polite. They officiated a match worthy of the Champions League.

“Sometimes we make mistakes because of emotion. It happens. There is no problem.”