Andrea Maldera Appointed as New Coach
Italian specialist Andrea Maldera is set to become the head coach of Ukraine’s national football team in the coming days. He will replace Serhiy Rebrov, who stepped down from the role on April 22. This marks the first time a foreign expert will take charge of the national squad. The Ukrainian Association of Football and Maldera are in the final stages of signing the agreement.
Former Ukraine and Shakhtar Donetsk defender Serhiy Kryvtsov has spoken positively about the appointment, noting that 'the team absolutely needed a reset after poor performances and results.' He highlighted that Maldera demonstrated his capabilities while serving on Andriy Shevchenko’s coaching staff, delivering impressive outcomes. Kryvtsov also emphasized that the synergy between players and the coaching team during that period was among the best in Ukrainian football history.
Andrea Maldera’s Background
Andrea Maldera, a 54-year-old expert, worked within AC Milan’s structure until June 2016 as a technical development coach and match analyst. Over five years, he assisted head coach Andriy Shevchenko, who now serves as president of the Ukrainian Association of Football. In August 2021, Maldera left the Ukrainian national team to join English club Brighton. His most recent role was as an assistant at French club Marseille.
Kryvtsov noted that Maldera 'has a very deep understanding of tactics' and 'would break down opponents’ games to the smallest detail.' He also stressed that Maldera provided him with a wealth of new insights and taught him several aspects of defensive ball handling. 'He was involved in every part of our game, like set pieces and building from the back,' Kryvtsov added. He further described the partnership as a 'super duo of Maldera and Tassotti.'
In June, Ukraine’s national team will play two friendly matches: against Poland and Denmark. In the fall of 2026, the Ukrainian squad will compete in League B of the Nations League, facing opponents Hungary, Georgia, and Northern Ireland.
Kryvtsov concluded his remarks by stating that 'Andrea’s English is excellent—there were no language issues at all.' He also highlighted that 'he showed his love for Ukraine through his work, and later kept his promise by getting a tattoo.' As a result, Andrea Maldera can be considered 'a Ukrainian with Italian roots.'
The appointment of Andrea Maldera as head coach of Ukraine’s national team marks a new chapter in the squad’s development, especially following disappointing results under Serhiy Rebrov. The significance of this transition is underscored by the support of former players like Serhiy Kryvtsov, reflecting high expectations for the new coaching staff. The upcoming friendlies will be key to assessing Maldera’s methods and his ability to adapt to the specific dynamics of the Ukrainian team.
As Ukraine's national team embarks on this new chapter under Andrea Maldera, it's important to note the recent developments surrounding the previous coach, Serhiy Rebrov. His potential move to a club in the UAE could signal a shift in the landscape of Ukrainian football coaching. For more insights on Rebrov's situation and its implications for the national team, read our detailed coverage here.