Oleg OCHERETKO: “Arda Turan wants everything to be taken away now”

This season can undoubtedly be considered a win for the 22-year-old player. Oleg Ocheretko. The midfielder not only became the main player for Shakhtar, but also made his debut for the country’s main team. Therefore the site Spor.ua It was interesting to talk with the football player about the development of his career.

In our conversation, readers will learn about the fight for the title in the UPL, the plans of the Pitmen in the Conference League and, of course, the hopes of the Ukrainian national team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

– Oleg, congratulations to you and your team on another victory in the Conference League.

– Thank you very much. But emotions have already calmed down, the team is focused on the next match.

– Shakhtar was considered the clear favorite in the match against Hamrun Spartans. How difficult was the match against the Maltese team?

– When we went out to try the field, which was not of very high quality, to say the least, we realized at first that it would not be easy. We analyzed the opponent’s movements and understood what we could expect from them in principle. The Maltese pressed well in the first half, did not allow us to attack as we wanted, and tried to create danger in our goal. But when we adapted in the second half, we started to gain momentum and brought the matter to its logical conclusion.

– You entered the field in the second 45 minutes. What did Arda Turan want from you?

– He gave a plan of action, which was corrected after the first half, he even said where and who should run (smiles) and wished good luck.

– I got the impression that you played as a defender from time to time…

– (Smiles.) In the second half, we confused the opponent thoroughly, everyone changed positions. I was sure that if I ran forward, someone would support me.

– This win (2:0) took Shakhtar to the Conference League play-offs. So what are the team’s plans to take a place in the top eight, which gives the right to start its performance from the 1/8 finals?

– I don’t like making predictions. We have a difficult match ahead of us against Croatian Rijeka. And based on its results, it will be possible to say something concrete.

– Before Rijeka, you have an equally important match against Epicenter in the championship. I say why it is important because competitors do not sleep…

– I completely agree. We remember very well how difficult the match was with this opponent in the first round. Therefore, Shakhtar will focus on this match most seriously.

– Local experts state that Shakhtar’s Brazilians show their best performance in European cups rather than the Ukrainian championship. Is this related to possible underestimation of the opponent?

– I think this is a wrong view. Our head coach doesn’t let us rest (smiles). He takes the process very seriously and sees who works in training and how. No concessions to anyone. The work to create the Shakhtar team game he wants to see is not over yet. Therefore, there can be no talk of any relaxation or underestimating the opponent.

– Shakhtar now shares first place in the standings with LNZ in terms of points lost. Will this be your main rival in the gold medal fight?

– I think yes. The Cherkassy team beat both us and Dinamo in the first round, which shows the great potential of LNZ. They have a well-organized match, so it will not be easy to compete with this opponent in the spring part of the championship.

– What can you say about the current intrigue in the UPL, where at least eight teams are fighting for the top spots?

– This is interesting, first of all, for fans. There has probably never been a situation like this in the history of the championship.

– You can now be called a solid first team player. Do you remember your first match against Shakhtar in the main squad?

– Definitely. This was an August 2022 matchup with Metalist 1925. Although it was difficult to count this match as one of my assets, as I entered the field in the last 15 minutes, received a yellow card and the match ended in a 0:0 draw, it was very enjoyable.

– This was a period when the team was managed by Igor Jovicevic and, in principle, trusted you. Why did you take on the second or third roles under Marino Pusic?

– It’s hard for me to say. Nobody explained anything. Probably the Bosnian coach didn’t like my game. There may be many reasons for this, but I have no information about it.

– Can you count the rent in “Dnepr-1” and then “Karpaty” as assets?

– Without a doubt. I played a lot and gained experience at a high level. These teams believed in me. I have become more mature. Maybe this played a role in why I play frequently on the field at Shakhtar.

– I wanted to turn to Arda Turan and ask, what is the power of this mentor?

– Mister pays close attention to small details in the team’s actions. For example, playing defense. We are now working very carefully to improve our defensive interactions, taking into account our offensive potential. It all makes sense: If a team is undefeated, it has a better chance of winning.

– Does Turan know a few words in Ukrainian?

– Yes. For example, “good morning”, “bon appetit”, “how are you”…

– Is there something hot?

– At least I didn’t hear that from him (smiles).

– Arda Turan gives examples from his football career during the study process; For example, when he played for Atletico Madrid or Barcelona?

– Yes. There were different stories, and the main conclusion was that the coach wanted, even demanded, that we get everything now, otherwise there may not be a second chance.

– You played your first match with the Ukrainian national team this year. Can you share the emotions you felt when you played as a substitute player in the match against France?

– Only positive ones. I didn’t even expect to play in this match. I had the idea that Sergei Rebrov would trust me to play in the next match against Azerbaijan.

“But here they told you to change your clothes?”

– Absolutely true.

– Has your heart started beating faster?

– (Laughs.) I won’t say. But it was the feeling that I was happy and proud.

– During the qualifying tournament, the Ukrainian team received a lot of criticism. Would you agree with this?

– To tell you the truth, I don’t read the news in order not to feel sad or relieved again based on what journalists write.

– You already scored a goal against Iceland in your third match for the national team. To whom is this goal dedicated?

– To my wife (smiling).

– As a result, the Ukrainian team managed to qualify for the play-offs in the qualifying tournament. What can you say about Sweden, which we will play in the semi-finals on March 26?

– One thing is for sure, it will be an interesting match. The opponent is very difficult, but even though these are not ordinary words, the Ukrainian team will be determined to move forward to get one step closer to the World Cup dream.

– Of course, I cannot help but ask questions about the potential rivals of the Ukrainian national team if it participates in the World Cup. Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia. How did you find the company?

– Good morning my baby. I like it (smiles).

– Could Ukraine be one of the favorites to get out of the group in this quartet?

– Everything is possible, but it is too early to talk about it. We really want to go to the 2026 World Cup and with that in mind we will prepare for the game against Sweden and then as they say we will see.

– What is your football dream?

“I want to enjoy playing football”