Ukraine's New Coaching Lineup Takes Shape
Andrea Maldera is poised to become the next head coach of the Ukrainian national team, replacing Serhiy Rebrov, who was dismissed after the squad failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Reports indicate that Taras Stepanenko, a 36-year-old former Shakhtar Donetsk defender now playing for Kolos, is being considered for a role on Maldera's staff.
Stepanenko, who joined Kolos as a free agent during the winter transfer window, has made four appearances in the Ukrainian Premier League this season. His current contract with the club runs through the end of the 2025/26 campaign. Discussions about his potential inclusion in the coaching setup have intensified as Maldera looks to build his team.
Andrea Maldera's Background
Maldera previously worked within AC Milan's organization until June 2016, serving as a technical development coach and match analyst. For five years, he also assisted former head coach Andriy Shevchenko, who now serves as president of the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF). In August 2021, Maldera left the Ukrainian national team to join English club Brighton & Hove Albion. His most recent role was as an assistant coach at French side Olympique de Marseille. Notably, Maldera has never held a head coaching position before.
The UAF has shortlisted three candidates for the head coach role:
- Myron Markevych
- Igor Jovićević
- Andrea Maldera
UAF President Andriy Shevchenko plans to make a final decision by the end of April.
Commenting on the potential coaching staff composition, Mykhailo Spivakovsky stated:
“In every possible scenario for the new coaching team, I've heard Stepanenko's name come up. Maldera urgently needs Ukrainians around him—not just a methodologist, but someone who can motivate the players.”
He further emphasized:
“From what I hear about Stepanenko today, he has accumulated a serious wealth of knowledge. His thinking goes far beyond just game structure, tactics, or training routines.”
While Stepanenko's exact duties within the national team's coaching staff have not been specified, his experience and insights are expected to be valuable to Maldera as the team prepares for upcoming competitions.
The potential addition of Taras Stepanenko to Ukraine's coaching staff under Andrea Maldera could mark a key step in rebuilding the squad after its disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign. Given Stepanenko's background, his role may extend beyond technical aspects to include player motivation—a critical need during this challenging period. The UAF aims to finalize the new coaching structure by the end of April, signaling a proactive approach to preparing for future international tournaments.
As the Ukrainian national team embarks on this new chapter under Andrea Maldera's leadership, the addition of experienced figures like Taras Stepanenko could prove crucial. His insights and familiarity with the local football landscape may help bridge the gap between the coaching staff and players, enhancing team cohesion as they prepare for future challenges.