I would rate our fifth spot as a solid performance
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
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Shakhtar women’s team head coach Roman Zaiev reflects on the season’s results, competition reform and plans
– Shakhtar set a number of tasks every year. Alongside tournament objectives, this includes scouting footballers and promising young players for the future as the country is going through difficult times and the situation on the Ukrainian player market is quite unpredictable, especially in women’s football. An important factor is the process of motivation, as this is a long-term seasonal task with at least 28 matches, so the psychological aspect plays a significant role in the battle with direct rivals. It is also necessary to note the ambition of clubs whose aim is to fulfil their objectives by strengthening primarily with quality players from other teams in the domestic championship. Each season for us is a path with many unknowns. We try to maintain a competitive squad and have a reserve in case certain players change their life path. Despite all influencing factors, we set ourselves the task of finishing in the top three. The first interim result on this path is a spot in the top five and involvement in the race for the podium, and we achieved this and approached it positively in order to move higher in the league table.
– Throughout the season, Shakhtar put up a strong fight and repeatedly took points from contenders for European places. What does this indicate?
– Without a doubt, we have a fairly competitive squad that can challenge all opponents. In the second half of the season, Shakhtar collected 10 points, which is the third-best result, behind only Metalist 1925 and Seasters. Kolos and Vorskla earned fewer points, but thanks to their results in the first half of the championship, they are above us. The distribution of places was decided in the final round. If we had not conceded to Metalist 1925 in the closing minutes, we would have finished fourth. Therefore, I would rate our fifth spot as a solid performance.
– Which matches are the most memorable for you this season?
– In the phrase “memorable matches”, the key word is “memory”, which defines the format of the answer. These are matches that bring back either the most pleasant or, conversely, the most painful memories, but it is precisely such encounters that are forever etched in the memory. I think everything is still ahead.
– Next season, Shakhtar will compete in the Elite League with the best teams in Ukraine. How do you assess the reform of the championship and to what extent do matches against stronger opponents contribute to the development and progress of players?
– I understand the intention of young and ambitious leaders who are trying to change the organisation of work and the management structure, however in the effort to build something new, sometimes the foundations on which the system itself rests are dismantled. At present, a lot of attention is being paid to women’s football, and this undoubtedly opens up development prospects. At the same time, professional teams are disappearing. In which direction should we move forward? It is necessary to create opportunities for recognition and professional growth for young footballers. Without this, we will not be able to raise the national level to the level of international recognition. Women’s football in Ukraine must be protected and the creation of the Elite League has certain prospects. First of all, it reduces the number of teams and, at the same time, increases the quality of the championship. It is also necessary to ensure significant media support, and then this product will be able to function properly. In this case, highly qualified managers are needed who can engage clubs and develop this direction. The start of the Elite League is ahead; its results will be assessable already at a mid-stage, and this is an unquestionable step forward for the players.
– What is currently known about the plans for the pre-season and preparation for the new championship?
– The team are currently on holiday. The coaching staff is preparing plans and modelling new working formats. We are also looking forward to the entertaining matches of the World Cup, observing the direction in which modern world football is developing.
– Throughout the season, Shakhtar put up a strong fight and repeatedly took points from contenders for European places. What does this indicate?
– Without a doubt, we have a fairly competitive squad that can challenge all opponents. In the second half of the season, Shakhtar collected 10 points, which is the third-best result, behind only Metalist 1925 and Seasters. Kolos and Vorskla earned fewer points, but thanks to their results in the first half of the championship, they are above us. The distribution of places was decided in the final round. If we had not conceded to Metalist 1925 in the closing minutes, we would have finished fourth. Therefore, I would rate our fifth spot as a solid performance.
– Which matches are the most memorable for you this season?
– In the phrase “memorable matches”, the key word is “memory”, which defines the format of the answer. These are matches that bring back either the most pleasant or, conversely, the most painful memories, but it is precisely such encounters that are forever etched in the memory. I think everything is still ahead.
– Next season, Shakhtar will compete in the Elite League with the best teams in Ukraine. How do you assess the reform of the championship and to what extent do matches against stronger opponents contribute to the development and progress of players?
– I understand the intention of young and ambitious leaders who are trying to change the organisation of work and the management structure, however in the effort to build something new, sometimes the foundations on which the system itself rests are dismantled. At present, a lot of attention is being paid to women’s football, and this undoubtedly opens up development prospects. At the same time, professional teams are disappearing. In which direction should we move forward? It is necessary to create opportunities for recognition and professional growth for young footballers. Without this, we will not be able to raise the national level to the level of international recognition. Women’s football in Ukraine must be protected and the creation of the Elite League has certain prospects. First of all, it reduces the number of teams and, at the same time, increases the quality of the championship. It is also necessary to ensure significant media support, and then this product will be able to function properly. In this case, highly qualified managers are needed who can engage clubs and develop this direction. The start of the Elite League is ahead; its results will be assessable already at a mid-stage, and this is an unquestionable step forward for the players.
– What is currently known about the plans for the pre-season and preparation for the new championship?
– The team are currently on holiday. The coaching staff is preparing plans and modelling new working formats. We are also looking forward to the entertaining matches of the World Cup, observing the direction in which modern world football is developing.