We will make the necessary adjustments
Saturday, July 18, 2026
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Comment from Shakhtar women’s team head coach Roman Zaiev after the defeat to Polissia in the opening round of the Prime League
– Women's football is such that, when you concede first, it is very difficult psychologically to reach the level you had prepared yourself for. The first shot of the match resulted in a goal, and it completely knocked the team back – everything changed from that moment. At the same time, our opponents' confidence grew, and it was difficult for us to adjust. We tried to make certain changes at half-time, but above all, they have to come from both the team as a whole and each individual player's desire to win. If that desire is there, the team will continue to improve. If it is not, achieving results will be much more difficult.
– What are the main lessons to take from this match ahead of the game against Kolos?
– The team understand the badge they wear and what they step onto the pitch for. At the same time, there are other factors, including individual quality and the psychological aspect. We will make the necessary adjustments to change the situation. I believe we will go into the match against Kolos with a completely different mindset.
– The Prime League format is different from last season's championship. What are your thoughts on it?
– By and large, not much has changed, as the same teams are still involved and the number of matches is the same as last season. What is new is the promotion and relegation format and the structure of the competition. There will be a group of teams competing for the title and another fighting to stay in the league. In my opinion, there will hardly be a middle ground this season. To some extent, we are returning to the format we started with a few years ago. The championship will show whether my predictions prove to be correct. At the same time, it is important to understand that the level of competition among the teams challenging for the top spots will increase, and that will have a positive impact on the standard of preparation of our national teams.
– What are the main lessons to take from this match ahead of the game against Kolos?
– The team understand the badge they wear and what they step onto the pitch for. At the same time, there are other factors, including individual quality and the psychological aspect. We will make the necessary adjustments to change the situation. I believe we will go into the match against Kolos with a completely different mindset.
– The Prime League format is different from last season's championship. What are your thoughts on it?
– By and large, not much has changed, as the same teams are still involved and the number of matches is the same as last season. What is new is the promotion and relegation format and the structure of the competition. There will be a group of teams competing for the title and another fighting to stay in the league. In my opinion, there will hardly be a middle ground this season. To some extent, we are returning to the format we started with a few years ago. The championship will show whether my predictions prove to be correct. At the same time, it is important to understand that the level of competition among the teams challenging for the top spots will increase, and that will have a positive impact on the standard of preparation of our national teams.