We had clear-cut chances too

– Every time the team prepare for a match, we study the opponents’ play in detail, analyse their strengths and weaknesses, and build a game plan based on this. There was a plan, and it was communicated to the team and the players responsible for carrying it out, but difficulties arose due to certain factors, primarily psychological. Psychology determines confidence in actions: if a player is confident, she makes fewer mistakes and plays better. On the other hand, when confidence is lacking, a technical deficiency appears, and the player tries to avoid contact with the ball in order to reduce the risk of losing. By the middle of the first half, a certain group of footballers had lost confidence, along with the game plan. As a result, the pressure on our goal began to grow, and we conceded three goals in a short period of time, which we had absolutely not anticipated. During the break, we had a conversation in the dressing room, emphasizing that this approach to performing our duties was unacceptable.

– In the second half, Shakhtar acted more sharply and created more chances than in the first one. What changed after the break?
– I can’t say that the play improved significantly in the second half. Perhaps the opponents' pressure decreased, and our footballers began to play more relaxed. In certain moments, the game levelled out, but it wasn't enough to save the match. If we talk about the final score and those three goals conceded... We had clear-cut chances too. If Veherych, Holovach, and Vykaliuk had converted their opportunities, the match could have ended 3-3.