Plymouth Argyle defender Maksym Talovierov, known as Maxi, is living a footballer's dream, but the reality of the war in Ukraine casts a long shadow. He's preparing to face Manchester City in the FA Cup, a significant moment in any player's career, but his thoughts are constantly with his family back in Kyiv.
Daily Anxiety and Family Concerns
“It’s really hard because for three years every morning I wake up and I see a lot of notifications about rockets and missiles in every city, including Kyiv, where my parents are,” Talovierov explains. This constant stream of alerts forces him to immediately check on his parents, Maryna and Vadym, ensuring they're safe in underground car parks or metro stations during bombardments. He hasn't seen them in person for three and a half years.
The lack of reliable communication adds another layer of stress. “Sometimes they might not have a connection or wifi and then it’s stressful because they don’t respond and you don’t know what’s going on. On the news it might say: ‘In this area of Kyiv, five rockets.’ But you never know exactly where.”
Football as a Distraction, Fans as a Support
Despite the anxiety, Talovierov finds solace and energy in football. The upcoming FA Cup match against Manchester City offers a welcome distraction, albeit one tinged with the awareness of his family's situation. He also acknowledges the incredible support from the Plymouth Argyle fans. Their cheers, he says, "just goes inside of me," providing a much-needed boost during these difficult times.
The Green Army Travels to Manchester
Showing their unwavering support, approximately 7,800 Plymouth Argyle fans, known as the "Green Army," have secured tickets to travel to Manchester for the fifth-round tie at the Etihad Stadium. This massive turnout underscores the club's strong connection with its community and the importance of the match.
Facing Manchester City
While the prospect of facing world-class players like Erling Haaland might usually be a highlight, Talovierov admits that it feels somewhat insignificant given the larger context of the war in Ukraine. However, he remains committed to giving his best on the pitch, both for his team and for his family back home.
The FA Cup match offers a moment of escape, a chance for Talovierov to focus on the game and, hopefully, bring some joy to the Argyle faithful. But the reality of the conflict in Ukraine remains a constant presence, a reminder of the challenges faced by his family and countless others.