Former Kyiv Dynamo head coach Oleksandr Shovkovskiy, in an interview with the YouTube channel "Prysta Chervona", revealed the reasons why he did not trust 20-year-old forward Matvey Ponomarenko. The expert honestly admitted that issues with physical condition and a lack of proper intensity in training prevented him from counting on the player for a spot in the starting lineup.
Weight issues and genetics
According to the former coach, one of the key reasons for the lack of playing time for the young striker was excess weight. Shovkovskiy emphasizes that it is easier to control one's form at 20, but with age, this will become a serious obstacle.
"There is indeed a problem with excess weight. He needs to control himself. By the way, this is important. Because when you are 20, it is much easier. But when you are already over 25-26, this will be a big problem for him. He will have to control almost everything around him. Especially if, as I understand it, he also has a genetic predisposition to this," the specialist noted.
The numbers don't lie: training data
In addition to weight, the coaching staff led by Shovkovskiy relied on objective data. The modern system for tracking tactical and technical actions (TTA) and physical activity showed that Ponomarenko was seriously underperforming compared to his teammates.
Every meter run, heart rate, and intensity of actions were recorded during training. The digital indicators of the young striker were among the lowest in the team. Because of this, the coaching staff bet on Eduardo Guerrero and, at the last moment of the transfer window, signed Vladislav Blenuce.
During Shovkovskiy's tenure, Matvey played only 8 matches without recording a single useful action. The situation was exacerbated by the fact that Ihor Kostiuk, then the U-19 team coach, asked to leave the striker in the youth team so that he could maintain constant match fitness, which was impossible to get in the first team.
Change of coach and form surge
The situation changed radically in the autumn of last year when, after Shovkovskiy's resignation, Dynamo was led by Ihor Kostiuk. Having received trust and a permanent place in the attack, Ponomarenko delivered a phenomenal second half of the season.
In the 2025/26 season, Matvey played 23 matches in all tournaments and scored 16 goals. 13 goals came in Ukrainian Premier League matches, which allowed the 20-year-old forward to win the title of the UPL's top scorer.
Warning against euphoria
Despite the player's successes, Oleksandr Shovkovskiy calls for not rushing with excessive praise. In his opinion, the real indicator is the next season. The coach is confident that the result always depends on readiness, not on emotions.
"The indicator for Ponomarenko will be the next season. Because the first one is on emotions, on lucky actions, when everything is going well. Was it just a surge of some positive emotions? You will never rise to the level of your expectations. You will always fall to the level of your preparation. How you work in the training process, how functionally and technically ready you are — that is the quintessence of the result," Shovkovskiy concluded.