Shakhtar Secures Victory Over Rukh: Coach Arda Turan Expresses Support for Mircea Lucescu

In the 22nd round of the Ukrainian Premier League, the Donetsk football club Shakhtar showcased an impressive performance, securing a confident victory against Lviv's Rukh with a score of 3-0. This win is significant for the team as they continue their pursuit of high positions in the league table.

Following the match, the head coach of the Miners, Arda Turan, held a press conference where he addressed questions from journalists. One of the most pressing topics raised during the conference was the condition of former Shakhtar and Dynamo coach Mircea Lucescu, who is currently in critical condition in a hospital in Bucharest. Turan expressed his condolences and wished for Lucescu's swift recovery.

“I recently learned that Mr. Lucescu is unfortunately not in the best health, so I sincerely wish him a speedy recovery and would be glad to see him back on the coaching bench,” Turan was quoted by the club's press service. These words reflect the respect and support Turan feels for his predecessor, as Lucescu has left a significant mark on the history of Ukrainian football.

It is important to note that Mircea Lucescu was hospitalized on March 29, 2023, after feeling unwell during the Romanian national team's training camp following their defeat to Turkey (0-1) in the playoff for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Subsequently, on April 2, Lucescu resigned from his position as head coach of the Romanian team, marking another setback in his career.

On April 3, 2023, while in the hospital, Lucescu suffered an acute myocardial infarction. Doctors had to perform resuscitation procedures three times, and the coach was fitted with his fifth stent. Following severe cardiac arrhythmias that were unresponsive to treatment, Lucescu was placed in a medically induced coma, raising concerns among his colleagues and fans.

Mircea Lucescu is renowned for his extensive career in Ukraine, where he worked for 15 years. During this time, he won the Ukrainian championship eight times with Shakhtar and claimed the UEFA Cup in 2009. He also secured a league title with Dynamo in the 2020/21 season. His contributions to the development of Ukrainian football are invaluable.

Additionally, during the 2016/17 campaign, Lucescu coached the Russian club Zenit. He has previously spoken about his home in Donetsk, which he was forced to leave due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. This situation has become a symbol of the hardships faced by many people in Ukraine and underscores the importance of support and solidarity during such challenging times.

Tags: Arda Turan, Mircea Lucescu, FC Shakhtar, Heart Attack, Sports