Kostiantyn Frolov: Despite the results, we looked decent. I liked that the girls are not afraid to play football

The head coach of the Kryvyi Rih Women "Kryvbas" Kostiantyn Frolov summed up the results of the first half of the 2025\2026 season for the team.

- Kostiantyn Viktorovych, how do you generally assess the results of the first part of the season for the team? Do they meet your expectations at the start of the season?

- If we talk about the tournament standings, then, of course, we would like to perform better and score more points. But we always start from objective reasons. Our attack group has changed significantly: out of five players, four left the team. There are also key players who are recovering from operations. In fact, the squad has been replenished with young players from youth teams, and they need time to adapt to the level of the Higher League.

All these factors affected both the quality of the game and the result, which is why we missed out on points somewhere. At the same time, I am satisfied with the end of the first round. The team demonstrated football intelligence, especially in the Ukrainian Cup and championship matches against Metalist 1925. Despite the results, we looked decent. I liked that the girls are not afraid to play football, do not pay attention to the loud names of their opponents. In this component, we definitely took a step forward.

- What progress of the team during this period of the season do you consider the most noticeable - in the game, mentality or team interaction?

- I would say that progress is noticeable in the complex of all components. First of all, it is the mentality and psychology of the team, as well as technical and tactical actions. The girls began to better understand the requirements and fulfill them directly on the football field. Many players are gradually adapting to the Vyscha League. Of course, all young football players go through this process the same way - it is natural.

We review everyone, give everyone a chance through the training process and matches, try to bring them up to the required level. But, unfortunately, not everyone can meet the requirements of the Higher League - this is an objective reality. Despite this, the team is generally progressing, and a vivid confirmation of this is the interest of more prestigious clubs in our young players.

- Was there a moment in the first half of the year that became a turning point or particularly influenced the team - both in a positive and in a difficult sense?

- Yes, we had a very difficult period when the team was just forming. These were two painful home defeats - 1:4 from Ladomyr and 1:4 from Polissya. But these matches became a kind of starting point. We analyzed everything, gathered ourselves, and these defeats, oddly enough, stimulated the team. We gradually began to get out of this situation.

You need to understand that we have a very young team: the average age of the starting lineup is about 17-17.5 years old. This is actually a youth team playing against adults. We are the youngest team in the league, and of course, our girls still lack a lot. But thanks to the joint work of the coaching staff and the players themselves, we were able to get out of this situation - both mentally and in terms of the tournament.

- What were the biggest difficulties we faced during the first round, and how did the team overcome them?

- The main difficulties are the young squad, personnel losses and adaptation to the level of the Major League. Due to injuries, operations and renewal of the squad, we had to actually build the team during the season. We managed to overcome this thanks to patience, systematic work and faith in the team. We did not give up even after heavy defeats, but on the contrary - used them as motivation to move on.

- What matches or episodes of the first part of the season do you remember with particular pride?

- First of all, these are matches in which we were able to score points against strong opponents. In particular, the 1:1 home draw with Shakhtar. In that game, we even outplayed our opponent, and only a childish mistake prevented us from winning. I would also like to mention the match against Sisters, a very powerful team with experienced high-level footballers and foreign players who have experience playing for national teams. We played 2:2 and looked very worthy. It is these matches that cause special pride.

- Who among our players, in your opinion, has made the biggest step forward in their development during this period?

- I would like to mention a whole group of players - the backbone of the team, around which the game is built. These are Stakhniuk, Slovak, Horodetska, Oliinychenko, Avramenko, Bielkina, Nazarenko. These girls are steadily progressing and are a real asset to the Club. We are proud of their work and hope that they will grow into strong high-level footballers. For me, the key is the development of the players, especially considering the realities in which we work today. Our task is to prepare football players who will be able to play for the national team in the future.

- How would you formulate your coaching philosophy in working with the women's team? What is key for you in building the game?

- For me, the main thing is the development of the football players, their mental growth and understanding of the game. I always try to build a team that is not afraid to play football, thinks on the field and believes in its own strength, regardless of the names of the opponents.

- What lessons from the first part of the season do you consider the most valuable for yourself as a coach?

- The most important lesson is the ability to overcome difficult situations. We had several such moments, including difficult and painful defeats. But they did not break the team. On the contrary, they hardened it. We always believed in ourselves and the team. Our main task is to maintain a place in the Vyscha League, because next season the number of teams will be reduced to eight. In parallel with this, we are working on the development of each player and the growth of the team as a whole.

- What goals and objectives do you set for the team for the second part of the championship?

- The main goal is to maintain a place in the elite division. At the same time, the game aspects are no less important for us: the team's progress, stability, the development of young players and improving the quality of the game.

- How do you see the team's future in the near future? What will the team work on first of all to become stronger?

- We have certain problems with the composition of the squad. As a coach, I would like to have more high-level players to really compete for high places. But the current realities do not allow us to easily invite female players. Therefore, we have chosen the path of youth development - to educate and train high-level players within the Club. I want female players from other teams to strive to move to Kryvbas, understanding that progress, development and the opportunity to realize themselves await them here, including at the level of the national team.

Press service of WFC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih