Ukraine's Squad Prepares for Friendly Matches
Andrea Maldera, the new head coach of the Ukrainian national football team, has explained his decision to call up Andriy Yarmolenko and outlined how he is shaping the squad ahead of upcoming friendlies. Ukraine will play its first friendly on May 31 against Poland in Wroclaw, followed by a second match on June 7 in Odense against Denmark. This marks Maldera’s debut as head coach.
Maldera acknowledged that the selection process was challenging after reviewing many players.
“We analyzed a lot of players and had many doubts. There are many Ukrainian footballers playing abroad, several in Poland, so the choice was not easy,” the coach said.He emphasized that the beauty of a national team lies in its ever-changing roster.
“Everyone has to earn their place—that should be the ambition for anyone playing in Ukraine,” Maldera added.
Assistant Coaches and Tactical Approach
Maldera’s assistant coaches are:
- Volodymyr Yezerskyi – former Dnipro defender;
- Taras Stepanenko – ex-captain of Shakhtar Donetsk;
- Pasquale Catalano – a fellow Italian compatriot of Maldera.
The coach also noted his desire to bring in new resources but decided to rely on players he knows better for this window.
“For this upcoming window, I chose to lean on the players I know a bit better. Because in a short period, it’s easier to integrate 5-6 newcomers than to try to get to know 15 footballers,” he explained.
Maldera also expressed hope that Andriy Yarmolenko would break Andriy Shevchenko’s record.
“That would mean he’s scoring goals for the national team. I don’t know why Rebrov didn’t call him up, but I doubt that’s the reason,” the coach noted.He stressed that player motivation must be extremely high, regardless of where they play.
“I don’t care if he plays in England, France, or Ukraine. The level of motivation has to be sky-high,” Maldera added.
As Ukraine gears up for these important matches, the coach is banking on strong performances and new milestones. Maldera’s debut as head coach represents a pivotal moment for the national team, and the outcomes of these friendlies could shape future squad selections and game strategies. Meanwhile, Yarmolenko’s return highlights growing competition among players, which may boost the team’s overall level ahead of key games down the line.
As Ukraine prepares for its upcoming friendlies, it's essential to consider the strategies of their opponents. For instance, Poland's squad announcement features key players like Robert Lewandowski, which raises the stakes for Maldera's debut. Understanding how both teams are approaching these matches will provide valuable insight into the tactical battle ahead.