Shevchenko assessed the Ukrainian national team's chances in home matches during the war
UAF President Andriy Shevchenko stated that holding friendly matches for the Ukrainian national team within the country during the war is currently nearly impossible due to the security situation. At the same time, he did not rule out that such matches are theoretically possible at the club level under certain conditions. This was reported by the UAF.
Holding international friendly matches for the Ukrainian national team on home soil during a full-scale war currently seems almost unrealistic, and the main reason is the safety of players, staff, and fans. This was stated by Ukrainian Football Association President Andriy Shevchenko, commenting on the possibility of the national team returning to play in Ukraine.
According to him, while hostilities continue, organizing such matches at the national team level is practically impossible, although the situation with club teams may differ depending on specific circumstances. “At the moment, while hostilities are ongoing in Ukraine, this is practically impossible at the national team level,” Shevchenko noted.
At the same time, he clarified that at the club level, certain options for holding matches could theoretically be considered, but everything depends on the security situation in the country. “At the club level—it could happen. But it depends on the circumstances,” added the UAF head.
Separately, it was reported that on May 18, Italian Andrea Maldera became the new head coach of the Ukrainian national team and will work with a revamped coaching staff.
His assistants are former Ukrainian national team players Taras Stepanenko and Volodymyr Yezerskyi, as well as Italian specialist Pasquale Catalano, who is expected to strengthen the coaching staff and bring new experience to the national team.
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