We must be at a higher level than we are now
Sunday, December 14, 2025
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Shakhtar women’s team head coach Roman Zaiev commented on the result of the match against Vorskla and spoke about the team’s immediate plans
– Shakhtar women’s team suffered an away defeat to Vorskla in the final match of the year (0-3). What would be your summary?
– In my view, first and foremost, the weather conditions somewhat constrained our feel for the game, as we needed to play with more freedom. However, the cold and the opponents who began pressing us aggressively from the start took their toll. This was not the kind of start to the match we had anticipated, as the team dropped deep towards our own goal, which was the result of a certain lack of composure and the quick goals conceded. Of course, we tried to calm the players, who later began to act with more confidence and freedom, but perhaps the scoreline had already started to influence our actions. At half-time, we emphasised that, regardless of the score, we had to impose ourselves, move more and make the right decisions; however, we were unable to do this to the full extent. This may be related to the fact that Vorskla’s level of organisation is higher, and their players are somewhat more confident and experienced, which affected certain game situations. The girls gave their all: some performed better, from others we expected more, but I would like to thank the team for this match.
– What caused the goals conceded?
– There is such a thing as individual and tactical levels of ability. The first two goals were headed in by Ruslana Kravchuk from inside the goal area, and there are questions for the centre-backs and the goalkeeper in situations like these. Mistakes lead to us reacting more slowly and failing to close down the opponents in time.
– Shakhtar finish the year among the top five teams in the league. Are you satisfied with this result?
– I’m not satisfied with the result so far. The first stage of the championship has not yet been completed and will be resumed soon. It is clear that the main objective is to finish in the top five, and this objective remains unchanged, so we will make every effort to achieve it.
– What are your immediate plans?
– From tomorrow, the team will go on their break until January 15. For now, the main thing is to rest and return after a month-long pause with a new mindset and approach to the training process. Above all, we need to work on our psychological condition and mentality, as we must be at a higher level than we are now.
– In my view, first and foremost, the weather conditions somewhat constrained our feel for the game, as we needed to play with more freedom. However, the cold and the opponents who began pressing us aggressively from the start took their toll. This was not the kind of start to the match we had anticipated, as the team dropped deep towards our own goal, which was the result of a certain lack of composure and the quick goals conceded. Of course, we tried to calm the players, who later began to act with more confidence and freedom, but perhaps the scoreline had already started to influence our actions. At half-time, we emphasised that, regardless of the score, we had to impose ourselves, move more and make the right decisions; however, we were unable to do this to the full extent. This may be related to the fact that Vorskla’s level of organisation is higher, and their players are somewhat more confident and experienced, which affected certain game situations. The girls gave their all: some performed better, from others we expected more, but I would like to thank the team for this match.
– What caused the goals conceded?
– There is such a thing as individual and tactical levels of ability. The first two goals were headed in by Ruslana Kravchuk from inside the goal area, and there are questions for the centre-backs and the goalkeeper in situations like these. Mistakes lead to us reacting more slowly and failing to close down the opponents in time.
– Shakhtar finish the year among the top five teams in the league. Are you satisfied with this result?
– I’m not satisfied with the result so far. The first stage of the championship has not yet been completed and will be resumed soon. It is clear that the main objective is to finish in the top five, and this objective remains unchanged, so we will make every effort to achieve it.
– What are your immediate plans?
– From tomorrow, the team will go on their break until January 15. For now, the main thing is to rest and return after a month-long pause with a new mindset and approach to the training process. Above all, we need to work on our psychological condition and mentality, as we must be at a higher level than we are now.