Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Arda Turan appeared to be straining every bone in his body to avoid making eye contact with the club’s glamorous reporter.
The awkward exchange came after the Ukrainians’ Europa League second qualifying round victory over Besiktas and featured the married 38-year-old desperately trying to avert his eyes from the stunning Daria Bondar Savina conducting the post-match interview.
However, keen observers have been quick to note that this was not the first time the former Turkey star has acted in such a manner around Savina.
During an interview late last month, Turan’s lack of eye contact and often awkward posture was interpreted as a sign of his loyalty to his wife Aslihan Dogan Turan, who he married in 2018.
In both cases, a fidgety Turan often looked at the ground or to the side, making sure not to lock eyes with the 24-year-old as he answered her next question.
According to GazetaExpress, one of the playful comments on the situation from social media read: ‘His eyes are on the woman, his heart is on discipline’.
Another reportedly said: ‘He is afraid of Aslihan, he dares not look anyone else in the eye’.
A third joked: ‘Looking down, marriage up’.
Turan has not commented on the exchanges, which have garnered widespread interest online. He maintained his professionalism throughout both interviews.
A possible additional reason for the former Barcelona forward’s caution is due to the fact that the reporter is married to one of his players, Valeriy Bondar.
Turan was appointed as Shakhtar boss at the start of last month, having impressed in his first managerial job in his native Turkey with Eyupspor.
