Andrea Maldera spoke to reporters after Ukraine’s 1:2 defeat to Hungary in the fourth round of the 2026 Nations League, saying the team “dominated” much of the game but lacked the experience to withstand pressure after leveling the score. He argued this was not a tactical or technical issue but a shortage of on-field leadership in decisive moments.
Maldera singled out several young performers — Krupskyi, Krasnopir and Ponomarenko — praising their play while noting problems with intensity late in the halves. He said the side produced a strong first half and controlled possession, but the players may not yet be used to sustaining such a high tempo.
After four rounds Ukraine have four points and sit third in Group 2 of Division B. The team’s remaining Nations League fixtures are away to Northern Ireland (14 November) and Georgia (17 November).