New Head Coach for Ukraine's National Squad
The Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) had been exploring the possibility of appointing Igor Jovicevic as the head coach of Ukraine's national team. However, negotiations broke down due to unresolved legal and financial issues. Instead, the position will go to Italian Andrea Maldera, who is expected to sign a contract with the UAF in the coming days.
Jovicevic previously managed Ukrainian clubs including Karpaty, Dnipro-1, and Shakhtar. His most recent role was with Polish side Widzew, where he was dismissed in March 2026 after poor results left the team in the relegation zone. Talks between the UAF and Jovicevic never reached a final stage. One key obstacle was legal complications tied to his prior employment, along with salary demands that did not align with the terms previously offered to Serhiy Rebrov.
A New Chapter for Ukrainian Football
Andrea Maldera, aged 54, is on the verge of becoming the new head coach of Ukraine's national team. The UAF and Maldera are in the final stages of finalizing the agreement. This marks a historic first: a foreign specialist will lead Ukraine's senior men's national team. Maldera will succeed Serhiy Rebrov, who stepped down on April 22. Under Rebrov, the team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, losing 1–3 to Sweden in the playoff semifinals.
In June, Ukraine is scheduled to play two friendly matches: against Poland and Denmark. In the fall of 2026, the team will compete in League B of the UEFA Nations League, facing Hungary, Georgia, and Northern Ireland.
The appointment of Andrea Maldera as head coach of Ukraine's national team signals a new era, as it is the first time a foreigner will lead the squad. This decision could reshape the strategy of Ukrainian football development, as the new coach brings fresh approaches and ideas.
The upcoming friendlies in June will serve as a crucial test ahead of the more competitive Nations League matches, where Ukraine must prove its competitiveness on the international stage.
As Andrea Maldera prepares to take the helm of Ukraine's national team, the coaching staff is also undergoing significant changes. Notably, former Shakhtar player Taras Stepanenko is set to join Maldera's team, bringing his valuable experience to the squad. This addition marks an important step in redefining Ukraine's football strategy under new leadership.