Belarus national team defender Zakhar Volkov spoke about a missed penalty, the team’s current standing in their qualifying group, and the integration of VAR in the Belarusian championship during a recent interview.
Controlling the Pitch After Tactical Adjustments
Volkov reflected on his club side’s 5-1 victory against FC Gomel, noting that the opposition offered minimal resistance in the second half. While Gomel managed a couple of early efforts that required goalkeeper Pavel Pavlyuchenko to make saves, Volkov pointed out that the visitors recorded only one or two shots after the break as his team controlled the tempo.
Addressing the team’s status as the reigning Belarusian champions, Volkov stated that the tag carries no undue burden. The squad approaches each fixture individually, maintaining focus despite a challenging campaign marked by multiple coaching changes.
Adapting to Spanish Methods and Leadership Shifts
The club has experienced several shifts in leadership this season, requiring players to continually adapt to new tactical philosophies. A newly arrived coaching staff from Spain has introduced distinct communication styles and high-movement training sessions.
During the match against Gomel, the new head coach watched from the stands rather than the technical area due to pending documentation procedures. Volkov expressed confidence that administrative details will soon be resolved, allowing the manager to direct the side from the touchline.
International Leadership and Referee Communication
Discussing his responsibilities as vice-captain of the Belarus national team—behind captain Yevgeny Yablonsky—Volkov emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the pitch, supporting teammates, and communicating effectively during matches.
Asked about language barriers in international play, Volkov dismissed concerns regarding English proficiency in conversations with referees, noting that direct communication on the field relies more on situational clarity than linguistic perfection.
Navigating Neutral Grounds and Group Standing
Belarus continues to play its home fixtures away from local venues, a situation Volkov described as a difficult reality for players, family members, and supporters. Nonetheless, the squad remains appreciative of traveling fans who provide vocal support during away matches.
The national team currently sits second in its group with 7 points after four matches.
Moving Past the Finland Penalty Miss
Revisiting his penalty miss in the match against Finland, Volkov described his immediate focus after the whistle as channeling his energy into defensive duties to preserve a clean sheet. Rather than dwelling on the missed opportunity, he directed his efforts toward organizing his defensive partners and ensuring the team secured the victory.
Evaluating VAR Integration Realities
Volkov offered a pragmatic view of video assistant referee (VAR) technology in the Belarusian top flight, describing it as a necessary tool to assist officials in complex situations. However, he questioned the utility of single-camera setups at venues where multiple angles are unavailable, arguing that effective review systems require comprehensive visual coverage to function as intended.
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