WFC "Kharkiv" - WFC "Kolos" - 3:1. Afterword

Postscript of the main coaches of the teams after the completion of the 1st round match of the Prime League between WFC "Kharkiv" and WFC "Kolos" (3:1).

Natalia Zinchenko (WFC "Kharkiv")

- The first match of the new season took place. Perhaps the score was convincing, but I think there were moments in the game when we had to worry. How would you evaluate today's match?

- We played against "Kolos" not so long ago in the Cup final. It was very difficult for us, even in the optimal lineup. Today, some of our girls were a bit off because it was a tough season, and we didn't want to risk their health. Three new players made their debut for us today. Kalinchuk, I believe, played confidently for the first time in such a game. I think it's a big plus for us to have such young goalkeepers. I would like to highlight Svitlana Kohut's confident performance in the moment of the first goal. Victoria Radionova lacked a bit of confidence. They are young - it takes a lot of time and effort. But overall: there is a victory, there are three points - that's the most important thing, especially considering the weather conditions. We are satisfied with the first match of the season. We move on. The year will be very eventful.

- This match concluded the first round of the Prime League - the new elite division of women's football. What are your expectations in this context?

- This is very good, it's great, because I have been working as a coach for many years. It has never happened that we will finally be playing with the same balls. Finally, people will watch us. Finally, the most interesting games will be broadcast to a larger audience. Fans will attend the games or watch online, and then there will be development. I would like to see more spectators, but unfortunately, it's impossible due to the war. Some girls are going to play abroad because of our terrible realities. Of course, there are problems, some nuances with the pitches or something else, but I think everything will be fine over time.

- It's understandable that your team cannot have any other goals in internal competitions than to repeat last year's achievements, but the Champions League is also awaiting the team soon. And you mentioned today that there were personnel problems. Is there hope that those girls who maybe played today but were not in optimal condition, or those who couldn't play at all, will be able to return and help the team in the next matches?

- Victoria Hirin has already recovered and played about twenty-five minutes. It was tough. She hasn't played for a long time. Everyone is on the mend. Daria Apanashchenko will also be able to spend more time on the field soon. Alexandra Krevska will return soon. There are two injured players left - Irina Slavich broke a finger and Veronika Andrukhiv, who has major ankle problems, but I think it can be treated, and she will come back even stronger.

Lyudmyla Pokotylo (WFC "Kolos")

- Your team acted quite convincingly today and maybe didn't deserve to lose by a two-goal margin. How do you assess the game of your players?

- Yes, I agree. It was the first match, it was tough, but we didn't deserve such a defeat. The opponent converted their chances, and we didn't, but we move on. I thank the girls for this game, as they fought - created chances and controlled the ball.

- Perhaps you can share your plans and tasks for the season - personal or from the management. The Prime League has started. What are your expectations?

- Kolos always has tasks. We are a strong team, and we will fight only for the top three places. There are many matches and struggles ahead, both for us and our opponents. We always fight for the highest places in the Ukrainian championship.

- You already mentioned about conversion. What might your players have lacked today to change the outcome of the match?

- Somewhere there was a lack of skill in the finishing stage. We have a young team, yes, there were moments, but we didn't convert them. We will work on that.

- At the beginning of the match, in the middle of the first half, and after the break, there were periods when your team pressed the opponent. Was this your plan for this game?

- Yes. We know that "Kharkiv" is a strong team. We also know how to control the ball and attack. We don't go into a match to sit back in defense and play for a draw. I think everything will be fine for us.