The Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) has officially announced a change in the head coach of the country's youth national team (U-21). The position has been given to domestic specialist Dmytro Mykhailenko, who will replace the Spaniard Unai Melgosa, who left the team back in June.
From youth teams to the main youth squad
53-year-old Dmytro Mykhailenko is no stranger to working with national teams. For a long time, he has successfully coached various youth national teams of Ukraine, demonstrating his ability to work with young talents. Now his career has received a new impetus: he has taken charge of the country's main youth team.
The appointment was a logical continuation of the UAF's work in finding an optimal solution for the development of youth football. After the departure of Unai Melgosa, who left the post in the summer, the association's leadership decided to entrust the team to an experienced Ukrainian coach.
Main objective — qualification for Euro 2027
The new head coach faces an ambitious goal — to lead the Ukraine U-21 team to the final stage of the 2027 European Championship. The team's standing in the current qualification remains difficult: the Ukrainians are trailing the group leaders, but chances to rectify the situation remain.
The decisive qualifiers will be a true test for Mykhailenko and his charges. Success depends on how quickly the coach can establish interaction with the players and build an effective tactical system.
Context and prospects
Mykhailenko's appointment comes against the backdrop of general stabilization in Ukrainian football. Earlier, the Ukraine national team determined the venue for its Nations League matches, which also indicates a gradual return to the normal rhythm of international competitions.
The new coach will work with a team that already has experience performing at a high level. The task is not just to maintain competitiveness, but to create conditions for a breakthrough in the near future.
