We begun our season with a 3-0 win over Energia Voronezh at home. I’m delighted that we’ve won but not with how we played. Experts expect Energia to compete for the UEFA Champions League spot so the win was very good for us but we have much work ahead of us.
One bright spot is that we are playing well defensively and are difficult to break down at the moment. Our center back Ksenia Tsybutovich who was Russian Player of the Year last season, is much improved compared to last season. She is stronger physically, technically and tactically. If she continues her progress she can become a top defender in Europe.
Natalia Avdonchenko
Next week we travel to Moscow to face Rossiyanka and we will be in for a tough match. They have very good players who will try to battle with us but I expect us to put in a good performance and get three points.
Against Energia, referee Anastasia Pustovoitova impressed me. She is a very good referee with personality and quality.
Next week in Moscow, Natalia Avdonchenko, who was Russia’s Best Referee in 2008 will officiate our match with Rossiyanka. I am told that she is very good, I look forward to seeing her in action and expect only the best from her.
