Sport24.az
Yuri Vernidub, the head coach of "Neftchi", gave an interview to the Ukrainian website sport.ua. Sport24.az brings the interview to your attention with some abbreviations.
- Have you gotten used to the new environment? How is it to work in Azerbaijan?
- Of course, I'm used to it. I wake up at 7 in the morning, drink coffee, get in the car and go to the base. I'm already there at 8:00 - 8:30. I spend my day at the base from morning to evening. My day is related to football, I only go home in the evening. Working in Azerbaijan is the same as everywhere else. The football business is the same everywhere: it is interesting, at the same time responsible and has its own characteristics. I wish the refereeing was better, but this is what it is. In one of the previous games, I forced myself not to say anything. The most important thing for me is that my team plays. Let others comment on the rest.
- You lead one of the most titled clubs in the country with a rich history. Winning the championship this season no longer seems realistic. What is the team's goal?
- I came to "Neftchi" to improve the team's results and show its maximum potential. I didn't bring any new players myself. I have the previous squad. I can say that the boys are well prepared, technical and fast. There are still chances for medals, because there are 10 games ahead. We will fight to the end. We want to climb as high as possible in the tournament table and play in European cups. When I came, the point difference between us and the leaders was big, now it has decreased. So we will fight, time will tell.
- Were you able to adapt to the team quickly?
- Thank God, everything is fine. The players understand everything and carry out the assignments. I like their attitude to work. We will look at the results at the end of the season.
- As is known, Andrey Shtogrin, a former football player of "Chernomorets", plays in "Neftchi" from our compatriots. Are there any other Ukrainian legionnaires in the team?
- There are no others yet. The players I want to see will not come here. They have good contracts and play in strong clubs. I know those who are offered well, I don't need them.
- Some time ago, your son Vitali started working as a coach. How is he doing?
- Everything is fine. He also works in the coaching staff of "Neftchi" and copes with his work perfectly.
- Is your wife with you?
- Yes, she is with me in Baku. She waits for me, prepares food. I always have dinner at home. Lesya and I sit together and chat, then we rest. She also feels good here. Baku is a quiet and beautiful city, she finds time to walk around.
- Do you find time to follow the events in your homeland?
- Of course. We read news from Ukraine every day. It's very painful. This senseless war brought a lot of sadness. My nephew has been fighting for 2 years now. The situation in the Druzhkovka, Konstantinovka region is very difficult. We are constantly in touch. I recently learned that their car was hit on the front lines. I bought and sent them a Nissan Navara pickup. Thank God it arrived, everything is fine.
