Former midfielder and long-time captain of Shakhtar Donetsk Taras Stepanenko published a photo on Instagram of his meeting with Italian specialist Roberto De Zerbi in Marbella, Spain. The meeting took place against the backdrop of Tottenham Hotspur representatives staying in the resort town, where the club was apparently holding training or organizational events. Stepanenko, who currently serves on the coaching staff of the Ukraine national team, took the opportunity to personally chat with the manager under whom he played for the Donetsk club.
Warm Words for the Former Mentor
In the caption to the photo, Stepanenko expressed gratitude to De Zerbi and his coaching staff. 'Throughout my football career, I have been fortunate to work with great professionals and wonderful people. One of the best is Roberto De Zerbi and his assistants Marco, Agostino, and Rico. Thank you for the meeting and warm welcome, Mister!', wrote the Ukrainian specialist. The publication resonated widely in the football community, which noted that the relationship between player and coach remained at a high level even after Stepanenko finished his playing career and De Zerbi left Shakhtar.
Career at Shakhtar: 440 Matches and a String of Trophies
Taras Stepanenko dedicated the largest part of his professional career to Shakhtar Donetsk, making 440 appearances, scoring 30 goals, and providing 25 assists. Under his leadership as captain, the team won numerous national and international trophies, making him one of the most decorated players in club history. Stepanenko completed his playing career in 2026 following a brief spell at Kolos Kovalivka, which marked one of the final stages of his football biography. In addition to Shakhtar and Kolos, his record includes Metalurh Zaporizhzhia and Turkish club Eyüpspor.
Working Together with De Zerbi: Numbers and Impressions
Under Roberto De Zerbi, Stepanenko played 22 matches for Shakhtar, scoring two goals and providing one assist. Although statistically this period was not the most prolific in the Ukrainian's career, it was during these months that the professional and personal attitude toward the coach was formed, which Stepanenko confirmed in his public appeal. The Italian specialist, in turn, led Tottenham to notable successes in the English Premier League, and his initials RDZ still remain on the London club's training gear.
New Role: Ukraine National Team Coaching Staff
After ending his playing career, Taras Stepanenko transitioned to coaching, joining the coaching staff of the Ukraine national team. This step was a natural continuation of his journey in football: a player with vast experience at the highest level and the status of captain of one of the country's strongest clubs got the opportunity to pass on his experience to the new generation. The meeting with De Zerbi in Marbella was both personal and professional: both specialists are now connected with English football — De Zerbi as Tottenham's head coach, and Stepanenko as a member of the national team's coaching staff working in close cooperation with European clubs.
