Midfielder of Kyiv’s Dynamo and the youth national team of Ukraine Maxim Bragaru commented on the victory over the youth national team of Finland (2:0) in the 2nd round of the group stage of Euro-2025 (U-21) on the YouTube channel of his club, where he scored the second goal, and also talked about what he expects from the next match in the tournament - against the Netherlands.
Maxim Bragaru. Photo — UAF— Today, in preparation for the match against "Vorskla", the team held a training session. Tell us about the mood in the team and personally for you.
— Yes, we had a very good training session. The mood is positive, as we won the previous match. Now we are preparing for "Vorskla".
— The upcoming match was supposed to take place in Poltava, but it was moved to Kyiv. How did this news affect you personally? Does it make the task easier?
— This is the first time I hear about this from you. Of course, it makes it easier. We need to play as we know, demonstrate a quality game. I think playing at home will be easier for us, plus the fans will come to support the team. The field at the "Dynamo" stadium is very good at this time, so we will play.
— It has been more than a week since you returned from training camp. How did you spend the two days off that the coaching staff gave you?
— I spent those days with my family, with my wife, we were at home, went to the cinema. In general, everything was standard.
— How is it to train in frosty winter weather? Is there a big difference between Turkey and Kyiv?
— Of course, there is a difference, but we have already adapted, and the weather is getting better. We hope it will be even warmer; we really want that.
— How ready is the team for a long period and the test of endurance until the end of the season?
— We hope we are ready, but we take it game by game. The next match is with "Vorskla," and then we will see.
— You have already faced "Vorskla" this season, both at home in the championship and away in the Cup. What can you say about the opponent? How difficult is it for you to play against the Poltava team?
— The team is very good, fighting, they play football. They have good, quality players. We will play.
— This week the match is on Friday, then on Thursday there will be a game with LNZ in Cherkasy. How do you feel about such a schedule?
— I think there is no big difference. We already played like this last year when there were both European Cup matches and championship games. Three games took place in ten days, so we are ready for this. We need to recover and demonstrate our game.
— In which position do you feel more comfortable and easier to play?
— Of course, I find it more convenient to play as a left winger. But if needed, I can fill any position required in a specific situation.
— How did you react when the coach told you that you wouldn’t just play on the left flank but would become a versatile player?
— At first, it was difficult, but then I adapted. Playing in different positions is interesting, as well as being a versatile player. I am fine with that.
— During the training camps, there were moments when you dropped back to play left-back. Is there a difference for you—acting more in attack or defense?
— I have already played in that position and understand the requirements there. I find it easier to play on the left, even as a defender.
— Today at the end of the training, there were shots on goal. Once you hit the "nine," so you have already worked on your accurate shot?
— It happened by accident. We need to work more. That’s what training is for. We need to stay, work, and hone our skills to become better.
