Opponents in the top five demand you perform at your highest level
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
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Shakhtar women’s team head coach Roman Zaiev spoke about the victory over Kryvbas, the signing of Viktoriia Zolotukhina and reaching the competitive group of the Vyshcha League
– Shakhtar women’s team secured a narrow victory over Kryvbas in the final round of the first stage of the Vyshcha League. What was this match like?
– Of course, the win is pleasing, but there is still a lot of work to be done on the mentality. We understood that Kryvbas are not an easy team, even though they are young; they challenge almost every side in the league. The opponents press aggressively, forcing quick decisions. When that happens, it is not always possible to act correctly, so the game was not easy. Although, if Druzhchenko had converted her chances at the start of the match, everything might have been easier. I congratulate the team on the victory and on accomplishing the primary task – reaching the top five!
– Shakhtar have secured a place in the competitive group. How important is this result and what are the expectations for the decisive stage?
– From a strategic perspective, it is certainly important. Firstly, the teams that finished in the competitive group are not relegated and will play in the Vyshcha League again next season, which is, of course, pleasing. Secondly, the opponents in the top five demand you perform at your highest level, and this is an important factor for the progress of both individual players and the team as a whole.
– Today it was announced that Viktoriia Zolotukhina has been signed. What can you say about this footballer and will she increase the competition in midfield?
– Despite the fact that she is only 15, we noticed the high speed of her football thinking during the trial, especially for a girl of that age. Considering how technically and quickly she makes decisions, we approached the management with a request to sign her. She has good endurance: she keeps up in terms of speed, technical and tactical work, training at the same level as everyone else.
– Shakhtar will face a revamped Vorskla in the first match of the second stage. How will you prepare for the game?
– Vorskla have undergone significant changes, but they are still managing to earn points, so the match will not be as easy as it might seem at first glance. An important factor in the quality of the game is mentality, and the opponents have mentally strong players, so earning points against them will not be simple. We will prepare and focus on imposing our style of play.
– Of course, the win is pleasing, but there is still a lot of work to be done on the mentality. We understood that Kryvbas are not an easy team, even though they are young; they challenge almost every side in the league. The opponents press aggressively, forcing quick decisions. When that happens, it is not always possible to act correctly, so the game was not easy. Although, if Druzhchenko had converted her chances at the start of the match, everything might have been easier. I congratulate the team on the victory and on accomplishing the primary task – reaching the top five!
– Shakhtar have secured a place in the competitive group. How important is this result and what are the expectations for the decisive stage?
– From a strategic perspective, it is certainly important. Firstly, the teams that finished in the competitive group are not relegated and will play in the Vyshcha League again next season, which is, of course, pleasing. Secondly, the opponents in the top five demand you perform at your highest level, and this is an important factor for the progress of both individual players and the team as a whole.
– Today it was announced that Viktoriia Zolotukhina has been signed. What can you say about this footballer and will she increase the competition in midfield?
– Despite the fact that she is only 15, we noticed the high speed of her football thinking during the trial, especially for a girl of that age. Considering how technically and quickly she makes decisions, we approached the management with a request to sign her. She has good endurance: she keeps up in terms of speed, technical and tactical work, training at the same level as everyone else.
– Shakhtar will face a revamped Vorskla in the first match of the second stage. How will you prepare for the game?
– Vorskla have undergone significant changes, but they are still managing to earn points, so the match will not be as easy as it might seem at first glance. An important factor in the quality of the game is mentality, and the opponents have mentally strong players, so earning points against them will not be simple. We will prepare and focus on imposing our style of play.