Until the opening goal was scored, the girls were doing everything right
Saturday, October 24, 2026
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Shakhtar women’s team head coach Roman Zaiev reflects on the match against Seasters (0-2)
– Before the match against Seasters, I emphasised that their squad was made up of experienced players and that they had the numbers to use different tactical systems. We initially prepared to play with three defenders, but our opponents lined up with four, using a modified system for their full-backs. We had prepared for this possibility, analysed our opponents’ tactical setups and needed to adapt to the players they fielded from the start. Each footballer was given specific instructions on how to operate in different areas of the pitch and phases of play. Until the opening goal was scored, the girls were doing everything right, virtually perfectly, both from a practical and a tactical point of view. When we concede, we have to reorganise and try to get back into the game. This creates space for the opposition and sometimes leads to us losing possession during transitions. This has a significant impact, as we are not always able to get back into our defensive shape in time.
– Midfielder Viktoriia Zolotukhina has been getting more playing time recently. How would you assess her performances and progress?
– Viktoriia is a very intelligent player with a number of strengths, particularly when it comes to her first touch. The only issue is that the level of the league has changed and the number of teams has decreased. She still finds it somewhat difficult to compete at the level of the teams we face as she needs to fight for the ball constantly, cover a certain amount of ground and maintain a high level of intensity throughout the match, which is important for her position. She may not get much playing time, but it is enough for her to feel the rhythm and intensity of matches. I’m confident she will continue to improve.
– Shakhtar have a difficult run of fixtures ahead, with matches against teams near the top of the table. How do games against the leading sides affect the team’s progress and morale?
– As a brand, we cannot simply accept losing matches. We prepare for every opponent, try to compete and aim for a result that satisfies both us and the club. Every match against the league leaders is played at a high intensity and has an impact on us. As for how the team are developing in terms of their organisation of play, I believe that we will become a competitive side capable of challenging for the top places with time.
– Midfielder Viktoriia Zolotukhina has been getting more playing time recently. How would you assess her performances and progress?
– Viktoriia is a very intelligent player with a number of strengths, particularly when it comes to her first touch. The only issue is that the level of the league has changed and the number of teams has decreased. She still finds it somewhat difficult to compete at the level of the teams we face as she needs to fight for the ball constantly, cover a certain amount of ground and maintain a high level of intensity throughout the match, which is important for her position. She may not get much playing time, but it is enough for her to feel the rhythm and intensity of matches. I’m confident she will continue to improve.
– Shakhtar have a difficult run of fixtures ahead, with matches against teams near the top of the table. How do games against the leading sides affect the team’s progress and morale?
– As a brand, we cannot simply accept losing matches. We prepare for every opponent, try to compete and aim for a result that satisfies both us and the club. Every match against the league leaders is played at a high intensity and has an impact on us. As for how the team are developing in terms of their organisation of play, I believe that we will become a competitive side capable of challenging for the top places with time.