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’.
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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.
Turkish legend 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.
Turkish football supporters are notorious for their fanatical nature and Savina has revealed she was shocked by the frenzied reaction she has received since working with Turan, who won 100 caps for his country.
Last month she wrote on Instagram: ‘I truly didn’t expect to come to Istanbul and cause such a stir among Turkish fans and the media.
I was especially surprised to hear from so many journalists that over the past few weeks I’ve become quite a talked-about and even well-known person in Turkey!
‘I just want to say a huge thank you for all your messages, comments, kindness, and positive energy. I’m incredibly grateful for the warm hospitality from Turkish fans. I’m sure this won’t be the last time we meet in Turkey — see you again in the stadiums. I’ll be happy to see you!
‘Waking up this morning and seeing myself in headlines, websites, watching people follow me, message me, and write so many kind words — I’m truly overwhelmed in the best way. My Direct are exploding, and I can’t even keep up!
‘So many people came up to take photos, ask for interviews — and I deeply appreciate every bit of attention and support. I definitely hope to come back to Istanbul very soon. Until we meet again.’
