Kryvbas head coach Yuriy Vernidub shared his thoughts about the year after Russia started its war against Ukraine.
"Coaching a team that played in the group stage of the Champions League, and then this happened in the country and you go to the front - it is very difficult. I've never been a professional military man, I'm a professional coach. I don't know what drove me, but I always thought I had to help. Gotta do it.
It's very hard when fellow soldiers are killed or severely wounded. There's no way to describe it. This is the reality of Ukrainians fighting for their future so we can live the life we want. To do whatever we want and not be under anyone in any way. We want to be a free country, a free people. Victory is not far off - we will win this war!
I thank our country, our people, our defenders that the players can play and do what they love. A lot of respect to the guys from the AFU. We are a strong nation. The game of soccer supports and helps people.
I would like to thank many European countries, the United States, Britain for the help they give to our guys, the AFU. This help is very necessary so that we can defend our country and kick the enemy out of it," Vernidub said.