Andrea Maldera explains Andriy Yarmolenko's absence from Ukraine squad
Ukraine head coach Andrea Maldera addressed squad changes ahead of the Nations League decisive matches, explaining the decision to leave out veteran Andriy Yarmolenko.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Author: ИЛЬЯ ХОХЛОВ
Ukraine national team head coach Andrea Maldera met with the media ahead of the crucial November UEFA Nations League fixtures. The main topic of the press conference was the squad selection, specifically the absence of 37-year-old Dynamo Kyiv leader Andriy Yarmolenko.
Yarmolenko is a very important person for me and for the entire national team, but the moment has come for these guys to grow on their own. Yarmolenko must pass the baton to others. I spoke with him, he understood my words; he has always supported me in any matter. I know that I can always count on him. Andrea Maldera
The coach emphasized that the team needs a gradual transition between generations. Due to injuries to Viktor Tsygankov and Oleksandr Zubkov, the coaching staff decided to give an opportunity to debutant Oleksiy Kashchuk, who has been performing well in his league.
Regarding tactical approaches, Maldera noted that he prefers to remain flexible rather than sticking to one formation. Midfielder Mykola Shaparenko and forward Vladyslav Vanat were also promoted to the main squad, bringing their experience within the team's system.
Ukraine is currently sitting in third place in their Nations League Division B group with 4 points. The team faces a decisive away match against Northern Ireland followed by a fixture against Georgia.