Ihor Haratin, the Ukrainian midfielder of Polish Legia, commented on his absence from the club's application for the new season.
- Ihor, it seems that Legia does not count on you?
- I am currently looking for a new club. I probably won't stay at Legia for sure. The situation is quite difficult and there is little chance of changing anything.
- Did it come as a surprise to you that you are not on Legia's roster for the 2023/24 season?
- Yes, I did not expect it. I went through the training camp. I showed myself well and felt strong enough to help the team. We talked to the coach. "Legia switched to a 5-back formation. The coaching staff and the management decided that I was not on the roster.
- This position is no stranger to you, as you played in the centre of defence in several of Zorya's matches under Vernydub.
- I feel comfortable in this position. The coach played me around, but after the spot transfers it became clear that that was it.
- Why is that?
- The problem is not so much in the coach as in the change in the management vector. "Over the past few seasons, Legia has gone through a major restructuring. They played successfully. At some point, many players left the team - before the start of the 2021/22 season, a group of players came in and started well in the Europa League with two victories over Leicester and Spartak. There was a decline in the ExtraClass. The team could not play on two fronts. Many problems began. One coach came, the other, the third. No one could put anything together.
- Is there really no light at the end of the tunnel for the Polish vice-champions?
- The situation changed with the arrival of Kosta Runjaic with his vision of the game and structure. He knew how he wanted to play. Against this background, the team began to progress. In my opinion, Legia is capable of regaining the Polish championship next season.
- Are you angry with Legia for doing this to you?
- I respect my job, whether I'm playing or not. I do my best every day. I respect both the coaches and the team. We've been through a lot of good and bad things together. No matter what happens next, Legia is a special part of my life.
- You played a dozen matches last season, unlike in the 2021/22 campaign. Why did it happen?
- I'm used to always asking myself, not blaming the club. They don't count on me, so I need to develop further and look for another team. There will be no further progress for me in Legia.
- Didn't you have a déjà vu experience when you were "asked" by Ferencvaros a few years ago?
- Back then, things were moving quite fast. Many coaches have changed in Legia over the past two years, new management has come in, which is why I found myself in this situation.
- You have the last year left on your contract with Legia. Does the club want to get something for you, or is it possible to terminate the cooperation early?
- The club is working with me and my agent to find a solution. "Legia is interested in keeping me with the team.
- Have you already been approached by clubs? Are there any specifics?
- There are no specific options now, it's too early to talk about anything.
- Don't rule out the option of returning home? Have you received a call from Dynamo?
- In the future, perhaps, I will be able to tell you more. Now I am open to all offers.
- In Europe, you played for the leading teams of your countries. Do you plan to follow this vector of career development?
- It is difficult to talk about anything now in the absence of specific offers. I feel I have the strength to play at a high level. I am ready for any challenges. I didn't play much last year, so I have the strength and desire to play and grow professionally.
Oleksandr Karpenko