Former midfielder of Kyiv’s Dynamo, Maksym Braharu, who joined Polissia on loan at the beginning of September, gave an interview to the press service of the Zhytomyr team.
Maksym Braharu— Maksym, hello. How are you?
— Everything is good, everything is wonderful.
— What do they call you in the team? Do you have any nickname?
— Nothing special. Just Max. And “Braharchyk” — that’s what close ones call me.
— You were born in Reni, right?
— Yes, it’s right on the border, about 7−10 kilometers.
— Do you know Romanian?
— No, not even a few words.
— How did you start playing football?
— Like everyone else. My father took me to training, my brother did as well, and that’s how it started.
— A football family?
— You could say so, but at the amateur level.
— How did you envision your football future as a child?
— I wanted to get into a professional team — that happened. Then I wanted to join the youth national team, go to the European Championship, and eventually — to the Olympics. Getting into Dynamo — that’s really cool. I never thought I would play alongside Andriy Yarmolenko.
— Was he your idol?
— Yes, since childhood. I didn’t hang up posters, but I followed his game closely.
— Do you remember your first training with him?
— It was really cool. I had an injury then, he also had something bothering him, and we trained together, played with the ball.
— What impression did he make?
— Very positive. I learned a lot from him, I’m grateful for that.
— How did you adapt to the new team?
— Everything is good; they welcomed me warmly. I know many of the players, the coaching staff is also familiar.
— Which players have you crossed paths with before?
— Borys Krushynskyi, Maksym Melnychenko, Oleksandr Nazarenko, Oleksandr Andriievskyi, Volodymyr Shepelev. As for the coaches — Kravchenko.
— So basically, you didn’t join a new team, but rather your own?
— Yes, that makes adaptation easier.
— What do you consider the peak of your career so far?
— The national team. Euro 2023, when we reached the semifinals and defeated France, and also the first Olympics.
— That quarterfinal against France was sensational. Did you believe in victory?
— Yes. Ruslan Petrovych believed in us, we believed in each other and in our football. We fulfilled the coach’s demands — and everything worked out.
— What was key to that victory?
— Character, skill in final actions, and the fact that everyone fought for their partner.
— How does the Olympics differ from the Euro?
— In scale and atmosphere. For example, the match against Morocco — 45−50 thousand fans in identical jerseys. It was incredible.
— How do you remember the last Euro?
— We went through a tough qualification and confidently qualified for the tournament. The first match — we led 2:1, but lost 3:2. That was a painful lesson: football lasts 90 minutes and more.
— Did the fans' criticism after the Euro reach you?
— I try not to read it. There are people who write just like that, without understanding football. The opinion of those who truly understand and have experience is important.
— Who is more: critics or supporters?
— There are both. But I’m grateful to those who always support.
— Where were you stronger in your career — at Chornomorets or Dynamo?
— I believe I haven’t fully revealed myself yet. I want more and believe I can.
— Did you progress at Dynamo?
— Yes. I played with top footballers, many of whom are in the national team. It’s invaluable experience. They supported and advised me.
— You became the champion of Ukraine.
— Yes, but I want to do it when I play in the starting lineup for the entire season. That’s another dream.
— Why is it hard to break through to the main team at Dynamo?
— Because every coach has their own vision. Some fit, some don’t. But everywhere you have to prove your level on the field.
— Does having coach Ruslan Rotan at Polissia help?
— We know each other well from the national team, but it all depends on me: how I work, how I show myself on the field.
— Are you ready for competition?
— Of course. In the team, there are Krushynskyi, Nazarenko, Veletien, Gonsalvish. Competition is necessary for growth.
— They say you might be used on another flank as well.
— I have no problem with that. I’ve played in various positions both in the club and in the national team. But my favorite is left winger.
— The hardest position in football?
— I think it’s the defensive midfielder.
— The easiest?
— There isn’t one. Every position has its challenges.
— What do you need to become the best version of yourself at Polissia?
— To work even harder every day and show my level on the field.
— The first match for Polissia — against Kolos. What are your impressions?
— Positive. I remembered what Ruslan Petrovych demanded from us in the national team. Day by day, there’s a better understanding with my teammates. It’s a normal process.
— Do Rotan’s requirements in the national team differ from those in the club now?
— The principles are the same: modern football, ball control, pressing. I really like that.
— When Dynamo played against Polissia, did you already know you would move here?
— No, it was decided just two days after the match.
— How did you feel about the transfer?
— For me, it’s a new challenge. I want to play; I missed football. I think everything will be fine.
