Striking moment for Shakhtar coach Turan and PSV's Perisic

In the analysis room of Shakhtar Donetsk, while the Champions League duel between PSV and Shakhtar erupts, Shakhtar coach Arda Turan sends a photo to the Croatian Ivan Perisic, who plays for PSV. The two friends, who had already been in contact, exchange a smile as Turan studies Perisic’s movements with his staff.

The two had already been in contact before the match. Turan sent the Croatian a photo from the analysis room while he studied footage of Perisic with his staff. Despite Thursday evening’s rivalry, the atmosphere remained friendly.

At the press conference the Turkish coach praised the 37‑year‑old PSV striker. “His experience cannot be expressed in millions or hundreds of millions. A great player, a great career. Such players are an inspiration for all young people in football history,” Turan said.

Turan later joked about their joint beach volleyball sessions and the transfer value attributed to Perisic. The 39‑year‑old coach made a photo of his analysis as a joke, after which the Croatian laughed at the white beard and the exaggerated appraisal.