Vladimir Latunov's 22-year journey across Eastern Europe had come to an end as his FC Ural Yekaterinburg side lifted the Russian title for the first time in their history in 2042.
Soviet Surge | Part 45 | The End Of Soviet Surge
Soviet Surge | Part 19 | Rijeka #4: Record Breaking Handzic
HNK Rijeka were right in the mix for the Croatian title, just six points behind the almost unbeatable Dinamo Zagreb. Their efforts had once again been led by free-scoring striker Zijad Handzic, while the club's owners were reportedly worried by manager Vladimir Latunov walking away at the end of his contract in the summer.
Soviet Surge | Part 18 | Rijeka #3: Big Name Signings
A first season in Croatia ended without a trophy but offered glimpses of promise, including a potential superstar striker smashing goalscoring records. However, the HNK Rijeka board were unhappy with Vladimir Latunov not signing high-reputation players, which he immediately set about addressing in the summer of 2028.
Soviet Surge | Part 16 | Rijeka #1: Rebuilding Rijeka
Having wrapped up the national title in Czech Republic, adding to those in Poland, Turkey and Hungary, it was time for Russian manager Vladimir Latunov to spread his wings once more. He'd resigned from Viktoria Plzen and eventually wrapped up a move to Croatia with HNK Rijeka.
Soviet Surge | Part 13 | Honvéd #4: Chasing the Hungarian Title
A swift rebuild of Honvéd FC was afoot as Vladimir Latunov had his side sitting pretty at the top of the Hungarian Division I heading into 2026, just two seasons after they flirted with relegation.
Soviet Surge | Part 12 | Honvéd #3: Goal Hungary
The mission of lifting every league title in Eastern Europe meant there was no room for sentimental attachments for Vladimir Latunov. That was tested when, having succeeded in Poland and Turkey and performed a turnaround in Honvéd's fortunes, the summer of 2025 saw him headhunted by admirers from afar.
Soviet Surge | Part 11 | Honvéd #2: Strike Sensation Sandro Luiz
Honvéd had enjoyed an immediate surge under the leadership of Russian manager Vladimir Latunov. At the half-way mark of the 2024/25 campaign, they were already just three points short of their tally in the entirety of the previous season. And they were sitting pretty in third in Hungarian Division I.
Soviet Surge | Part 10 | Honvéd #1: Feeling Hungary
After a season of absolute domination with Turkey, Russian manager Vladimir Latunov decided it was time for a new challenge in his mission to surge his way across the Soviet football world. To do so, he ripped up his Galatasaray contract and headed for Hungary with Honvéd.
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