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, 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.