Andrea Maldera Appointed Head Coach of Ukraine's National Team
Following the dismissal of Serhiy Rebrov, Andrea Maldera has been named the new head coach of the Ukrainian national team, as reported by journalist Viktor Vatsko. This appointment marks a historic milestone, as Maldera becomes the first foreign head coach ever to lead Ukraine's national squad. Previously, he served on Andriy Shevchenko's coaching staff and worked with clubs like Milan, Brighton, and Marseille.
Until June 2016, Maldera held roles as a technique development coach and match analyst within Milan's organization. He then joined Ukraine's national team setup, assisting Shevchenko for five years. In August 2021, he left the national team to move to England's Brighton, with his most recent position being an assistant coach at French club Marseille.
Candidates for the Head Coach Position
It is worth noting that Maldera has no prior experience as a head coach. The Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) had narrowed down the selection to three candidates for this role:
- Myron Markevych
- Igor Jovićević
- Andrea Maldera
UAF President Andriy Shevchenko had planned to make a final decision by the end of April.
Viktor Vatsko stated: 'Well, friends, I can't help but share some incredible news that came through my WhatsApp. My WhatsApp revealed the name of the new head coach of the Ukrainian national team, and it was a huge surprise for me. At a time when all of football Ukraine and its circles were assuring me that Myron Markevych would take the job, the UAF surprised everyone. At least, it surprised me. For the first time in history, Ukraine's national team will have a foreign head coach. His name is Andrea Maldera.'
The appointment of Andrea Maldera as head coach of the Ukrainian national team opens a new chapter in the country's football history, as Ukraine had never before had a foreign coach in such a high-profile position. This move also signals the UAF's willingness to experiment and adopt fresh approaches to team development, particularly within the global football landscape. However, Maldera's limited experience as a head coach may raise questions about his ability to handle the pressures of international competition.
The selection process for the head coach of Ukraine's national team has been closely watched, especially with the three candidates being considered. For more insights into the contenders and what led to the surprising choice of Andrea Maldera, check out our detailed article on the shortlisted candidates for the coaching position.