Shevchenko appointed Ukraine head coach

The former Chelsea and AC Milan striker will take over the national side following their disappointing performance at Euro 2016, where they finished bottom of the group

Andriy Shevchenko has been appointed head coach of Ukraine on a two-year deal, the country's footballing authorities confirmed on Friday. 

The former Chelsea and AC Milan striker takes over from Mykhaylo Fomenko, who left the position after Ukraine's disappointing showing at Euro 2016 where they finished bottom of their group and without a point after defeats to Germany, Northern Ireland and Poland. 


Shevchenko worked with the squad at the tournament in France, making up part of Fomenko's staff, but has now been promoted to head coach. 

A former Ballon d'Or winner and Milan legend, the Ukrainian will be aided by Mauro Tassotti - who has ended a 36-year association with the Italian side - as well as Andrea Maldera and Raul Riancho, who has experience of Ukrainian football as a member of Sergei Rebrov's backroom team at Dynamo Kiev. 

Shevchenko's primary task will be qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with Ukraine included in a group alongside the likes of Croatia and Turkey.