Stepanenko Opens Up About Ukraine’s First Training Camp Under New Coaching Staff After Victory Over Poland

Stepanenko’s New Chapter Begins

According to Главком: Tarasy Stepanenko, now serving as assistant coach for Ukraine’s national football team, has shared his early impressions of stepping into this new role. After hanging up his boots at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, he joined the coaching team led by Andrea Maldera, who took over as head coach in May 2026. Stepanenko made his coaching debut during a friendly match against Poland, where Ukraine secured a 2-0 win. The team’s next match is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, against Denmark, kicking off at 7:30 PM Kyiv time. The first training camp under Maldera is currently being held in Lviv.

Impressions and Drive

As the head coach’s right-hand man, Stepanenko noted that Maldera is a more demanding figure who closely oversees the process and leads every training session.

“Maldera is stricter now. He controls the entire process, runs the training, and gives instructions. He’s the head coach, so the biggest responsibility falls on him, just as it does on us. But he’s the leader, so he has to be tough, and you can feel that,” Stepanenko remarked.

He also stressed the importance of players understanding the team’s vision and objective.

“I don’t think the team needs some kind of policeman. What matters is that people grasp the idea. When you understand the idea and the goal, you realize: if you don’t do things right, don’t take care of yourself or your teammate, and lack discipline, you won’t achieve anything,” Stepanenko emphasized.

Stepanenko also reflected on the fresh emotions and motivation among the players. “It’s crucial that people get this. We have one goal, we’re moving toward it, and that’s the most important thing. The guys understand that. I can see how motivated they are, how they work, how they communicate, and how eager they are to embrace the head coach’s ideas. I think that’s very important. We’re just here to help,” he added.

He also touched on his long absence from the national team setup and the feelings he experienced as a fan: “I watched the matches on TV like any other supporter. Of course, I was disappointed by the results too. But we realize that a new coaching staff has arrived, and for the players, this brings fresh emotions and a desire to prove to the coach that they truly deserve to play for the national team.”

Wrapping up, Stepanenko underscored the need for the team to sustain positive results over the long haul. “Right now, we understand: we won the first match in Poland, everyone’s happy, good vibes all around. But we have to keep this up over the long term. If we can do that consistently, then we can say this coaching staff and this team have done something to achieve something,” Stepanenko concluded.

The start of Tarasy Stepanenko’s journey in the Ukraine national team’s coaching ranks has brought a wave of positive energy and renewed motivation for the players, which could shape the squad’s future performances. The debut match under the new coaching leadership demonstrated that the players are ready for change and committed to pursuing a shared goal. Upcoming games, notably the clash with Denmark, will serve as a critical test for the revamped coaching team and could prove pivotal in building a cohesive unit for the long term. For now, the squad has a chance to showcase its potential and make a strong impression on the fans watching with keen interest.

As Stepanenko embarks on this new coaching journey, it's interesting to note the support he has received from prominent figures in Ukrainian football. Recently, Andriy Shevchenko expressed his thoughts on Stepanenko's retirement, emphasizing the impact of such transitions on the team's future. This connection highlights the importance of leadership and mentorship in shaping the national team's path forward.