Arda Turan’s Avoidance of Eye Contact Sparks Debate; First Comment from Aslıhan Doğan

Arda Turan, head coach of Shakhtar Donetsk, drew attention after a UEFA Europa League match when he avoided eye contact during a club TV interview with Ukrainian media director Daria Bondar Savina. The behavior reportedly continued in subsequent interviews and even training sessions, fueling social-media discussion.

“Cold” or “Professional”?

In the widely shared clip, Turan stood with the 24-year-old reporter yet did not make direct eye contact. Many online called the stance cold and distant, while others defended it as a professional choice.

Aslıhan Doğan Turan’s First Response

Aslıhan Doğan Turan addressed the matter for the first time, saying of Daria Bondar:

“She’s very sweet; I met her, too. She’s married to one of the players—hopefully nothing inappropriate happened.”

Asked whether she discussed it with Arda, she replied:

“I didn’t. It’s funny—why would I?”