Serhiy Rebrov and Panathinaikos
Former Ukraine national team head coach Serhiy Rebrov has emerged as a leading candidate for the managerial position at Greek club Panathinaikos. He has already held two meetings with club officials—the first in Spain and the second in Athens. Rebrov has laid out specific conditions for signing a three-year contract, including a €2.2 million annual salary for his coaching staff. He has also set a deadline of the end of May for a final decision on his candidacy.
Other contenders for the role include Bruno Génésio and Laurent Blanc. Panathinaikos’ current manager, 66-year-old Rafael Benítez, is expected to leave the club after the season ends. As of now, Panathinaikos sits in fourth place in the Championship Group of the Greek Super League.
Rebrov’s Current Situation
Serhiy Rebrov was dismissed as head coach of the Ukrainian national team in April 2023 after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His contract with the national team had been set to run until July 30, 2026. In addition, Rebrov serves as vice president and a member of the Executive Committee of the Ukrainian Association of Football.
Recent reports have also linked Rebrov to a potential head coaching role at Al-Wahda in the UAE Pro League. Separately, he posted a UAH 30 million bail for Andriy Yermak, who is under investigation for corruption. Yermak was dismissed from his post in November 2025, and the two are reportedly related by marriage.
The developments surrounding Serhiy Rebrov highlight his active search for new opportunities following his departure from the Ukrainian national team. His potential appointment at Panathinaikos could represent a significant step in rebuilding his coaching career, especially amid the club’s current instability. Given Rebrov’s experience, his hiring might positively impact the team’s performance, as they currently sit fourth in the league standings.
As Rebrov seeks to redefine his coaching journey, it's worth noting that this shift comes at a time when foreign influence in Ukrainian football is increasing. Recently, the national team announced its first foreign coach, marking a new chapter in its history. For a deeper understanding of this significant transition in Ukraine's football landscape, you can read more about it here.