Famous Ukrainian coach Vladimir Sharan shared his opinion on the appropriateness of changing the head coach of the Ukrainian national team due to the unsuccessful start in the qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup (Ukraine — France — 0:2, Azerbaijan — Ukraine — 1:1).
Vladimir Sharan. Photo — Yu. Yuriev— Vladimir Bohdanovych, is a change of head coach needed for the Ukrainian national team right now?
— No. Let the person finish what he started. Rebrov began this journey, let him finish the qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup. And after these competitions, I think a decision will be made about his future. I am virtually certain that if the national team does not qualify for the World Cup, the coach will be dismissed.
— If we assume that the position of the head coach of the Ukrainian national team is vacant now. What candidates do you see for this position?
— I do not see any candidates. I see only Sergey Rebrov. If the Ukrainian national team does not have a head coach, then I will express my opinion on this matter. Right now I do not want to name the names of our great coaches. Rebrov is my friend, and I will not discuss this topic. The national team has a coach, and I think we can put an end to this matter. It’s the same as calling Rebrov or Leonenko and asking who will replace Sharan, who is currently working with a specific team.
If the UAF leadership did not dismiss the coach after Euro-2024 and then after the Nations League and trusted the specialist to continue working, let the coach finish what he started. Rebrov will either be disgraced or come out on top. We will only find out at the end of the qualifying tournament.
— Then the last question. Will the Ukrainian national team advance from the qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup?
— It is clear that we can no longer dream of the first place, but advancing to the playoffs is quite realistic even after two unsuccessful matches. Yes, as a fan, I was also very upset to see what happened in Baku. Nevertheless, there is a chance, although, of course, Iceland currently looks preferable. It is very important what condition our team will be in for the head-to-head match on October 10. I will say more, that even a draw in Reykjavik will not eliminate the Ukrainian national team from contention for second place.
Sergey Demyanchuk
