Former midfielder of Luhansk Zorya and the Ukraine national team Dmytro Homchenovsky shared his memories of playing under coach Yuriy Vernidub. In an exclusive interview, the footballer spoke about his career development, his transfer to the Luhansk club, and the most memorable bizarre incident during a Europa League match against Dutch side Feyenoord.
The Road to Professional Football and Vernidub's School
Before moving to Zorya, Dmytro Homchenovsky managed to pass through a youth team in Turkey and gain valuable experience at Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih. Under the guidance of Yuriy Maksymov, the young midfielder secured a spot in the starting lineup before receiving an invitation to join the Luhansk club. According to the player, working with Vernidub became a crucial school in his sports career, teaching him strict discipline and high demands on himself both on and off the pitch.
The midfielder admitted that working with the emotional coach was sometimes difficult, and at times he felt an urge to talk back. Nevertheless, today the footballer holds deep respect for him and is grateful for all the lessons of professionalism that laid the foundation for his successful career.
A Crazy European Cup Evening in Rotterdam
A special place in Homchenovsky's memories belongs to the away Europa League match against Feyenoord in Rotterdam, which turned into a real thriller. After the first half, the Ukrainian team was losing 0:2, facing intense pressure from the stands and a fast-paced game.
During the halftime break, the head coach delivered an emotional and harsh speech in the locker room, demanding that his players turn the tide of the unsuccessful match. As they returned to the pitch, Vernidub shouted a bitter phrase at the players: "Go on and score in your own net too!". The irony of fate was that immediately after the game resumed, defender Maksym Bilyi indeed sent the ball into his own goal.
Dramatic Finale and Significance of the Memories
That European Cup match is remembered not only for the comical own goal but also for the incredible willpower shown by the Ukrainian club. Notably, the first leg in Kyiv ended in a 1:1 draw, and in Rotterdam, Zorya managed to overcome a three-goal deficit to tie the score at 3:3. Only in the 90+2nd minute did the Dutch side snatch a 4:3 victory.
Such recollections from veterans of Ukrainian football offer a fresh perspective on the atmosphere in clubs of that era, when character and coaching charisma helped teams compete equally against formidable European opponents. Experience under specialists like Yuriy Vernidub remains an essential part of domestic football history.
