Serhiy Kovalets addresses Metallurg Zaporizhzhia's relegation to the Second League

Head coach Serhiy Kovalets has reflected on the challenging 2025/26 season for Metallurg Zaporizhzhia. The team finished 16th in the Ukrainian First League, securing only 19 points in 30 matches, which resulted in their relegation to the Second League.

Kovalets, who took charge mid-season, identified squad issues and a series of injuries to key players as the primary reasons for the poor performance. Despite the outcome, the coach noted that the team had some positive stretches, including notable victories against Vorskla and YUKSA, where the players demonstrated quality football.

«Of course, the first and second parts of the season were different. If we had the opportunity to train and play matches under different conditions, the result might have been different. Unfortunately, we were seriously hampered by injuries to several key players,» said Serhiy Kovalets.

The coach acknowledged that the staff could have handled certain moments better, but he praised the players for their maximum effort. The club is now focused on drawing necessary conclusions to move forward.