Oleksandr Shovkovskyi Addresses Rumors of Leading Ukraine's National Team

Shovkovskyi's Statement on the Coaching Role

According to Главком: Former Dynamo Kyiv head coach Oleksandr Shovkovskyi has spoken about the possibility of taking charge of Ukraine's national football team. He clarified that while there have been discussions on the topic, he has not yet received any formal offer for the position. The national team is currently managed by Serhiy Rebrov.

Shovkovskyi, who led Dynamo Kyiv from 2023 to 2025, acknowledged receiving calls and conversations regarding the national team role. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between informal talks and an official appointment.

“This is a position of the highest responsibility, and the decision on an appointment is made by specific individuals who bear full accountability for it. As of today, I have not received an official proposal from the people authorized to make it. At the same time, there have been calls, conversations, discussions-interest in this topic exists,” Shovkovskyi noted.

Shovkovskyi's Coaching Record

What is known about Shovkovskyi's coaching career? Under his leadership, Dynamo Kyiv won the Ukrainian Premier League title in the 2024/25 season. However, the club dismissed him in November 2025 when the team was in seventh place in the league, having won only one of its last nine championship matches. Following his departure, Ihor Kostyuk was appointed as Dynamo's head coach.

Shovkovskyi, now 51, previously worked on the coaching staff of Mircea Lucescu and also served with the Ukrainian national team under Andriy Shevchenko. The national team, led by Serhiy Rebrov, failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. UAF President Andriy Shevchenko has announced a timeline for deciding on the team's new head coach.

The situation regarding the leadership of the Ukrainian national team remains tense following the team's unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign. Shovkovskyi's domestic success with Dynamo and his prior experience with the national setup make him a figure of interest for the role. The final decision rests with the leadership of the Ukrainian Football Association, which has set a deadline for reviewing candidates.

As discussions about the national team's future unfold, it’s essential to consider the broader context of player selection. Recently, Shevchenko outlined the requirements for foreign players wishing to join Ukraine's national squad. This could significantly impact the team's dynamics and future strategies.