Artem Smolyakov - on returning to Ukraine, playing against Son and Lloris in MLS, and debut for "Kharkiv"

Los Angeles defender Artem Smoliakov has shared about his return to Ukraine, debut for Kharkiv, and playing with stars in MLS.

In February 2025, Artem Smoliakov made an important step in his career by moving from Zhytomyr's Polissya to the American club Los Angeles (LAFC). The Ukrainian defender signed a contract until the end of 2028 and became a player of the team as part of the U22 Initiative program, which allows MLS clubs to attract the most promising young footballers from around the world. After a year and a half of playing in the USA, Artem returned to Ukraine, accepting an offer from an ambitious project - FC Kharkiv.

In an exclusive interview with the "Ukrainian Football" website, Artem Smoliakov talked about his performances in MLS, playing alongside Son Heung-Min, Hugo Lloris, and Yevhen Cheberko, the atmosphere of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, his debut for FC Kharkiv, and personal motivation after returning to Ukraine.

"I had only two full training sessions before the match with Veres."

– Artem, after returning to Ukraine, you made your debut for FC Kharkiv, coming on as a substitute in the match against Veres (1:0) in the first round of the UPL. What emotions and impressions did you have after that game?

– I'm glad that I got a chance to play in the first match. The impressions were only positive. The game was tough, but we dominated throughout the match, created many chances. Unfortunately, not everything was converted, but the most important thing is that we pushed through in the end.

– What instructions did you receive from Mladen Bartulovich before coming on as a substitute?

– The coach asked me to get more involved in the attack, sharpen the game, and do what I do well. I think it went quite well.

– How many training sessions did you have with the team before the match against Veres?

– I had three training sessions before the match. One of them was a warm-up, so only two were full sessions.

"Just need to get used to the time difference a little."

– How is your adaptation going after returning from the USA to Ukraine?

– Overall, everything is going well. I just need to get used to the time difference a little, because for now, I go to bed early and wake up early. The climate is almost the same as in the USA, but everything here is familiar, so it's very nice to be back home.

– After returning from the USA, did you stay in Kyiv?

– Yes.

– Have you already experienced the night shelling that Kyiv unfortunately regularly faces?

– For now, I live in Shchaslyve, and I'm just looking for an apartment in Kyiv. We had a stay on the left bank of the capital. The guys woke up at night from explosions, and I slept like a log.

"I can count the first season in MLS as a positive."

– How do you evaluate the one and a half years spent in the USA? What impressions did you have from this stage of your career?

– When I arrived there, I can definitely count the first season as positive, especially its second part. I regularly played and got enough playing time (in 2025, I played 30 matches for Los Angeles, scored one goal - ed.). I think I had many sharp actions, dangerous passes, and crosses. Of course, I wanted to contribute more assists, but somewhere lacked accuracy (provided four assists - ed.). Overall, I believe that the first season in Los Angeles was positive for me.

– What went wrong in Los Angeles after that?

– After that, the head coach changed in the team, who, let's say, didn't see me in his game scheme. Under the previous coach, I constantly played as a left-back or wing-back. When the team was taken over by the new coach (Mark Dos Santos - ed.), he changed the tactical scheme. We started playing with three central defenders. During defense, one of them shifted to the left and essentially performed the functions of a left-back, and in attack, he returned to the center.

– Who was your main competitor for the left flank position?

– Deni Buanga, who was born in France but plays for the Gabon national team. He had a DP player status. It was clear that no one would bench such a player. The head coach saw him specifically as a left winger. Later, Yevhen Cheberko joined the team, and then I was signaled that it was time to look for new career options.

"Los Angeles is top-notch."

– So, after Yevhen Cheberko joined, did the competition in the team increase even more for you?

– With Cheberko, we were not direct competitors, as we were players of different profiles. My competitor was Buanga - a player with a special status in MLS. Such status is held by star players like Son Heung-Min or Hugo Lloris. They have "Beckham" salaries.

– What does a "Beckham salary" mean?

– In MLS, there is a salary cap, but there is an exception for certain star players. They can receive more than the established limit. This is what they call a "Beckham salary."

– How was life in Los Angeles for you?

– Honestly, Los Angeles is top-notch. I lived in one of the Armenian neighborhoods. In reality, Los Angeles itself is not that big anymore. There is downtown, and around it - many separate cities. They all belong to the Los Angeles County, so they are often called Los Angeles too. There are many Ukrainians, Armenians, and representatives of other nationalities living there.

– Did you manage to learn English in Los Angeles?

– Yes. When I went to the USA, I didn't know English at all. In the last six months of my stay there, I understood everything, could communicate, and felt quite comfortable. I can't say now that I speak English perfectly, but I can comfortably communicate on various topics.

– You were in the USA during the World Cup. What impressions did this tournament leave on you?

– Before the World Cup, it was said that the excitement around the tournament would not be too great. But when the World Cup started, everything turned out to be completely different. The interest was huge. When you walk, figuratively speaking, in the city center, you see that all bars and establishments are full - people are watching football, or as they say here, soccer. It was very cool.

Frankly, in Los Angeles, matches involving national teams were held, about which most fans know not so much, although it is the World Cup.

- When Yevhen Cheberko joined the team, did you quickly find a common language?

- Yes. When Zhenya arrived, we spent a lot of time together. We went out, visited different places. I could suggest where to go, what and where to find. During this time, we became very close. We still keep in touch.

"Half the stadium cheered for us on the away game because of Son."

- How would you rate the level of football in MLS?

- Actually, the level of football in MLS is quite high. There are many individually strong players in the championship. If we take our team, there were players like Son Heung Min, Danny Buanga, Hugo Lloris. You understand what kind of performers they are. There were matches that we won largely thanks to Lloris. He could make seven, eight, or even nine saves per game.

I remember the CONCACAF Champions League match against the Mexican team Cruz Azul. The opponent put serious pressure on us, but Lloris, with his saves, basically pulled us into the semifinals. Speaking of Buanga, he could dribble past two, three, or even four opponents and score. He has a very high individual skill level.

- How are these world football stars in everyday life?

- In everyday life, they are very simple people. I can't say that I spent a lot of time with them outside the team, but when we traveled to matches, we often went for coffee together before the game. You could always approach them, ask something, or just talk - there were no problems. There was always a great atmosphere in the dressing room before matches or training: constant jokes, fun, good mood.

Despite being world football stars, there was no difference in communication. Figuratively speaking, a guy from the academy or the second team comes - and Son is there. Of course, everyone knows he is an authority, but you don't feel it at all. Everyone was treated the same. By the way, Son has an incredible fan base. We arrive for an away game, go out on the field, and half the stadium supports our team just because Son plays in it. It was very unusual.

"Kharkiv can definitely compete for medals."

- While in the USA, were you able to follow Ukrainian football?

- Yes, I tried. I watched Polissya and, at that time, Metalist 1925 matches. It wasn't always possible due to the time difference. But if the game started around eight in the morning local time, I could watch a half or so. We had morning training, so on the way to the base or already there, I always tried to find time to watch the match.

- You probably followed the Polissya matches against Copenhagen in the Conference League. In your opinion, what did the team lack to progress further?

- I can't say what exactly didn't work for them - that's their internal matter. They have to figure it out themselves. But in my opinion, Polissya played very decently in the first match against Copenhagen. The team looked stronger than the Danes, created many good moments, but lacked in finishing.

- In the next round, Kharkiv will face Polissya. How special will this match be for you personally?

- Yes, to some extent, this will be a special match because I really love Polissya. I remember how warmly they welcomed me when I arrived there. I still keep in touch with many people from the club. Sometimes I exchange messages with Boris Krushynsky, and I have very good relations with Oleksandr Nazarenko. We can say we are friends. I also continue to communicate with the team staff. So I will be very happy to see everyone again.

- Speaking of Kharkiv, do you think the team can realistically compete for medals in the Ukrainian championship this season?

- I think it's quite realistic. We have very good competition in every position now, which only raises the team's level. There is one or two quality players in each position. Everyone strives to get into the lineup, so everyone works even harder, and the team only progresses from this.

- We talked about team goals. What personal goals do you set for yourself?

- In my loan agreement, there is a buyout option, so I have to prove that they can buy me here. This needs to be confirmed every day - in training and off the football field. There are no trifles in football. You need to constantly work, progress, and prove that you are worthy of being a player in this team.