Serhiy Rebrov’s Potential Appointment
Serhiy Rebrov, the former head coach of Ukraine’s national team, is in talks to take over either Greek club Panathinaikos or Al-Wahda from the United Arab Emirates. The possibility of Rebrov joining Panathinaikos was first reported by the portal Glavcom, citing Greek media sources. Rebrov, who led Ukraine’s squad from 2023, had preliminary agreements with Panathinaikos in the fall of 2025. Two weeks ago, he traveled to Greece to resume discussions on the matter.
If appointed, Rebrov would replace Rafael Benítez at Panathinaikos. After being dismissed as Ukraine’s head coach in April 2025—following his failure to qualify the team for the 2026 World Cup—his contract with the national federation was still set to run until July 30, 2026. Rebrov’s representatives are currently negotiating with two clubs, one of which is Al-Wahda. That club sits in fifth place in the UAE’s top-flight league during the 2025/26 season. An official announcement regarding Rebrov’s move to Al-Wahda is expected in mid-May, after the final matches of the season are played.
Andrea Maldera’s Appointment
Separately, Italian coach Andrea Maldera is set to be named head coach of Ukraine’s national team. The 54-year-old Maldera and the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) are in the final stages of signing an agreement. This appointment will mark the first time a foreign specialist has taken the helm of Ukraine’s national side. In June 2026, Ukraine will play friendly matches against Poland and Denmark. Later that fall, the team will compete in Division B of the Nations League, facing Hungary, Georgia, and Northern Ireland.
Securing a club role would represent a significant career step for Rebrov following a challenging period with the national team. Meanwhile, Andrea Maldera’s arrival as Ukraine’s head coach signals a strategic shift by the UAF in how it manages the team on the international stage. Both developments could have a major impact on the future of Ukrainian football and its standing in European and global competitions.
As Ukraine prepares for a new chapter under foreign leadership, the upcoming appointment of Italy’s Andrea Maldera as head coach adds an intriguing layer to the national team's future. His experience could play a crucial role in shaping the squad ahead of significant matches in June and beyond.