Taras Stepanenko joins Ukraine national team coaching staff

Former midfielder Taras Stepanenko has officially retired from professional play to begin a new chapter in his career. He has accepted an offer to join the coaching staff of the Ukraine national team under the guidance of Andrea Maldera.

Stepanenko admitted that the career transition happened quite suddenly: "I didn't see myself as a coach. It all happened very quickly. I was invited for a conversation with Andrea Maldera. I understand that I don't have coaching experience, but I am ready to learn and work hard for the national team."

The transition to the Ukraine national team? Everything happened quickly. Maldera said that I have a lot of experience and have worked with high-class coaches. Andrea calmed me down and said that everything would be fine. Taras Stepanenko

Stepanenko is expected to be part of the coaching staff for the upcoming match against Poland on May 31.