Ukrainian combines managing Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih with helping his country in the war against Russia

Yuriy Vernydub is busy preparing Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih for their Europa League qualifying campaign but unlike other coaches in the competition he knows the call from his military unit could come at any time. “I am still a soldier,” the 58-year-old says. “I haven’t been demobilised.”

Vernydub joined the Ukrainian army immediately after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. He had just signed a lucrative contract extension at the Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol but did not think twice when his country needed him.