FK Žalgiris Vilnius Croatian pair Petar Bosančić and Marko Capan say returning to Hajduk Split’s Poljud Stadium will be “special”, as the Lithuanian champions attempt to overturn a 5-2 first-leg defeat in the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round.
Centre-back Bosančić, who came through Hajduk’s system, admitted it felt unusual to be back in Split wearing Žalgiris colours but said the focus had to remain on performance. “I’m really happy to be back in the stadium where I dreamed of playing,” he said. “It’s a bit strange to return in green shirts, but that’s life and football. The first match didn’t go the way we wanted, but now we have a second chance. We will give everything, try to win and get the best possible result.”
Midfielder Capan, who left Hajduk six months ago, said the return to Poljud brought strong emotions, particularly after scoring in the first leg in Vilnius. “I’m really happy to be back, especially after only six months,” he said. “To return to Poljud is a special feeling. For those who have played here, it brings a lot of emotions. The goal in the first match was also a very emotional moment for me.”
Žalgiris have previously produced a European recovery after falling three goals behind, but Bosančić said the challenge in Croatia would be different. “On paper the situations are similar – again we have a three-goal deficit,” he said. “But now everything is different: we played the first leg at home and the second will be in Split. We know the pressure and expectations here and we understand Hajduk’s situation. We’re preparing for that, but we also know our strengths. In football one mistake or one moment can turn a match completely. We’re focused on ourselves and we’ll try to show our maximum.”
Capan added that Žalgiris should avoid trying to settle the tie in the opening minutes. “We have to play a good match, try to score and show our best football,” he said. “I don’t think we should chase three goals from the start. We need to go step by step, like we did against Dinamo Tbilisi. In the end that can give us a chance.”
Both players were also asked about their standout memories at Hajduk, with Bosančić pointing to his debut, including a win against Slaven Belupo, while Capan highlighted not only his first-team bow but also Hajduk’s youth team run in the UEFA Youth League.
Capan said he carried no resentment about leaving Hajduk without a sustained spell in the side, citing injuries. “I regret nothing and I’m not angry with anyone,” he said. “I had a lot of injuries here, including serious ones, so at that time it wasn’t the right moment for me. I came to Žalgiris to play and get more minutes. This match is important to me because every professional wants to prove he is a good footballer – not only to Hajduk, but to everyone else.”
The pair also warned team-mates of the atmosphere awaiting them in Split. “They asked what to expect, but it’s hard to describe,” said Bosančić. “I think it will be a great match for everyone and a good experience to play in that atmosphere. I hope we can enjoy it.”
Capan agreed: “It’s impossible to describe — you have to feel it yourself. I think everyone will feel it tomorrow.”
FK Žalgiris play Hajduk at Poljud on Thursday at 22:00 Lithuanian time (21:00 local).
Source: https://fkzalgiris.lt/p-bosancicius-visiems-bus-gera-patirtis-zaisti-tokioje-atmosferoje/
