Dolgansky: We were preparing for the match, but conceded easy goals in the first half

Head coach Vorskly Sergey Dolgansky commented on the crushing defeat from Miner (0:5) in the first round Ukrainian Premier League 2024/25.

“The analysis immediately after the game is always emotional. The result affects our emotions and vision. We tried to play with Shakhtar in a 4-2-3-1 formation, although we used a different one before.”

“We were preparing for the match, but we missed easy goals in the first half: two shots on target – two goals. We started the second half well, had opportunities that we needed to convert, and conceded a goal again. Deja vu with last season, when elementary moments ended with penalties in our goal. Then we tried to play more actively, cover, but made mistakes and conceded goals.”

“We had scoring chances before the third goal, and this goal was the key one, like a bolt from the blue, after which the team psychologically sank. We need to reach a certain level and gradually improve.”

“The first matches of the championship are more about emotions. There is a certain excitement, and it is not always clear in what state you are starting the season. Friendly and official matches have completely different intensity. We made difficult-to-correct mistakes – they are noticeable and repeat. You expect that, having made mistakes, the footballer will analyze and progress, but for now some repeat their mistakes.”

Vorskla conceded already in the eighth minute of the match after a long-range strike by Nikolai Matviyenko. Later, four more goals flew into the Poltava goal. Alexander Zubkov scored, Georgy Sudakov converted a penalty, and Matviyenko made a double. Daniil Sikan scored another goal.

In the second round, Dolgansky’s team will play away against Left Bank. The match is scheduled for August 9.