We aimed to win
Sunday, November 16, 2025
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Comment from Shakhtar women’s team head coach Roman Zaiev after the draw with Polissia (1-1)
– Shakhtar drew with Polissia Zhytomyr, despite creating numerous chances and looking the more dangerous side. What was missing to secure the win?
– Football consists of the moments you manage to convert and those you do not. We certainly aimed to win and take the three points, yet despite the number of chances we created, we could not take them. It is difficult to comment on this, but I want to thank the girls for their commitment. Football can be like that – sometimes the team with the greater advantage do not win. Polissia are formed of quality players and matches throughout the season shape a team’s mentality. They tried to stay as focused as possible, but the goal they scored came from an accidental deflection. That is how it turned out.
– The night was restless and loud. Could this have affected the team’s functional readiness?
– Each player reacts in her own way to the difficulties that occur in our country. Some take it more calmly, while others, on the contrary, respond with greater anxiety. Nevertheless, the quality of the performance the team showed was at a good level. I hope that we will only strengthen the direction we are promoting in the future.
– Shakhtar have another match against Polissia ahead, this time in the Ukrainian Cup quarter-finals. What will the preparation look like and should we expect any changes?
– Of course, the team need to rest and analyse the match. Based on this game, I understand that certain changes are possible. However, I’m convinced the match will not be easy, as in women’s football away fixtures differ significantly from home ones. We understand that whoever wins will reach the semi-finals and then only one step will remain to the final. We will try to achieve a positive result.
– Football consists of the moments you manage to convert and those you do not. We certainly aimed to win and take the three points, yet despite the number of chances we created, we could not take them. It is difficult to comment on this, but I want to thank the girls for their commitment. Football can be like that – sometimes the team with the greater advantage do not win. Polissia are formed of quality players and matches throughout the season shape a team’s mentality. They tried to stay as focused as possible, but the goal they scored came from an accidental deflection. That is how it turned out.
– The night was restless and loud. Could this have affected the team’s functional readiness?
– Each player reacts in her own way to the difficulties that occur in our country. Some take it more calmly, while others, on the contrary, respond with greater anxiety. Nevertheless, the quality of the performance the team showed was at a good level. I hope that we will only strengthen the direction we are promoting in the future.
– Shakhtar have another match against Polissia ahead, this time in the Ukrainian Cup quarter-finals. What will the preparation look like and should we expect any changes?
– Of course, the team need to rest and analyse the match. Based on this game, I understand that certain changes are possible. However, I’m convinced the match will not be easy, as in women’s football away fixtures differ significantly from home ones. We understand that whoever wins will reach the semi-finals and then only one step will remain to the final. We will try to achieve a positive result.