Artem Bondarenko, the left-sided midfielder for Shakhtar Donetsk, has witnessed the major sporting and social upheavals faced by the Ukrainian club over recent years. As the Conference League quarter-finals near, he shares his aspirations and reflects on the lessons gleaned from his time under the stewardship of Brescia’s former coach.
Bondarenko: “For us, as per our coach (Arda Turan), winning the league is our primary aim, because it would secure our return to the Champions League. However, the Conference League also represents a significant target that we are eager to pursue to the fullest.
“Right now, we’re gearing up to face AZ in the first leg of the quarter-finals in Krakow, but to be honest, I don’t know much about them yet; the coach hasn’t gone into detail about them (the conversation took place on Tuesday, April 7th).
Your first coach was Roberto De Zerbi, who helped initiate your career.
“He was a true mentor for me. I had just stepped up to the first team, and I must say, if he didn’t teach me everything, he certainly imparted a vast amount of knowledge! I believe he will continue to excel at Tottenham; in my eyes, he ranks among the best coaches globally.”
De Zerbi played in similar positions as you: left-back, attacking midfielder. What did he teach you during training?
“(Laughs) He taught me many things, most importantly how to strike the ball accurately with my left foot, and every session brought new insights. I was utterly impressed by his methods, not just in how he engaged with me. He was remarkable and imparted so much wisdom.”
Did you pick up any Italian phrases?
“Tutto bene!” (he exclaims in Italian). Though I must admit, the other words I know are mostly expletives! (laughs)”
Currently, your coach is Arda Turan, another former professional with an impressive background. Are there any significant differences between the two?
“They share a lot in common in terms of how they inspire and energise the players. Their playing styles are also quite similar. Ultimately, both possess immense coaching potential.”
In the Champions League, you faced a 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who, at just 18, appears to be among the best worldwide today.
“That’s right. It’s hard to believe, but it’s the reality. At this moment, I can’t think of a stronger player. He plays with an incredible level of confidence. I am confident that all the praise being heaped upon him is entirely justified.”
Shakhtar is your home, having grown up there and progressed through the youth academy. How does it feel now, being away from your origins due to the ongoing war?
“I have a profound connection to this club, and though I still play for them, I dream for all of us: the end of the war in Ukraine. After that, it would be wonderful to reunite with our people, where we left them, and return to playing at our stadium (the Donbas Arena).”
What was it like when you and your teammates were forced to leave the country following the Russian invasion?
“We were in Kyiv for quite some time, and when the war began, we waited for guidance from our club. It wasn’t until two months later that we actually departed the country to compete in some friendly matches aimed at raising funds for war victims.”
Can you describe what the year spent in exile in Germany was like? (Shakhtar played in the Schalke 04 stadium during the 2024/25 season)
“It was a deeply sad and painful period. Regrettably, we have grown accustomed to not being able to play at home, i.e., in Ukraine. Nevertheless, I was grateful to encounter Ukrainian supporters throughout Europe and beyond. I truly appreciate their unwavering support, even from afar.”
Besides Shakhtar, do you have a soft spot for any other teams?
“I’m particularly fond of PSG, and I enjoy watching and discussing the matches of De Zerbi’s teams with my teammates.”
Who have been your role models in football?
“I have three: Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos, and Sergio Busquets.”
Shakhtar also has many Brazilian players. Have their joyous spirit helped the team cope with challenging moments over the past few years?
“Yes, indeed! They’re always cheerful and bring a positive energy that’s a blessing for us. They instil tranquillity in the group, and they’ve even taught me a few words in Brazilian Portuguese. Though, to be honest, I’m not quite ready to go and play in Brazil just yet! (laughs)”
Which of your Brazilian teammates could potentially represent the national team?
“(smiles) Interesting question! I reckon both Alisson Santana and Isaque Silva have a promising chance for the future.”
Reflecting on your Champions League experiences: what stands out as your happiest memory in this tournament?
“Without a doubt, the match against Real Madrid in Warsaw. It took place in October 2022, and I was playing against one of my idols, Toni Kroos. That game will remain etched in my memory forever, not just because we secured an important draw (1-1) but also because I was named man of the match.”
Ukraine will unfortunately be absent from the World Cup after falling short in the playoffs. Which team will you be cheering for?
“Definitely Portugal.”
Why is that?
“I genuinely hope Cristiano Ronaldo secures a World Cup victory.”
Compiled by SportArena.au
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
