Former Hajduk players Marko Capan and Petar Bosančić have announced the return leg of the Conference League third qualifying round against Hajduk, emphasizing that they blame no one for their departures from Poljud.
On Thursday at 9 PM, Hajduk hosts Lithuanian side Žalgiris at Poljud in the return leg of the Conference League third qualifying round. The Split side celebrated a convincing 5:2 victory in the first match in Lithuania, but the visitors are not coming with a white flag. The return was announced at a press conference by coach Andrius Skerla and two former Hajduk players now wearing the green jersey, Marko Capan and Petar Bosančić.
The Lithuanian tactician revealed a special connection with Hajduk, recalling the time when Valdas Dambrauskas led the Whites. "When Valdas Dambrauskas was the coach here, I was here, at the stadium, and I felt an atmosphere that is unusual for us," Skerla told 24sata.
He added that he considers Dambrauskas the best Lithuanian coach and that they are friends. "I watched his training sessions, learned how and what he does, and I enjoyed how Hajduk played then," said Skerla.
He also commented on the possibility of repeating the miracle from the previous round, when Žalgiris overturned a three-goal deficit against Dinamo Tbilisi. "It's hard to repeat miracles, especially since Hajduk is a completely different team from them. I know who we're playing against; miracles sometimes happen, but not when you expect them," concluded the Žalgiris coach.
Petar Bosančić did not hide his emotions about returning to the stadium where he dreamed of playing. "It's a bit strange; now I'm coming in a green jersey," he admitted to 24sata.
He also commented on the comparison with the comeback against Dinamo Tbilisi, highlighting a key difference. "The situation is similar, but there's a big difference in that we played the first match at home, and the return is in Split," said Bosančić. He added that he watched Hajduk's match against Istra and that the Whites showed things where they can be threatened.
Marko Capan, who left Hajduk six months ago, returned to Poljud with a special feeling. "I scored, and for me, it was very emotional, but I was happy," he said about his goal in the first match.
When asked if he holds any grudge against Hajduk for his departure, Capan was clear. "No, I regret nothing, and I blame no one. I had quite a few injury problems; it wasn't the right time for me. Now I want to prove myself through Žalgiris, and I think this is a good club and opportunity for me," he told 24sata.
In an interview with DalmacijaDanas, Capan reiterated a similar stance. "I could, but I blame no one. I had many injuries, but that's football. I will always give my best and prove myself in front of everyone," the former Hajduk player said.
He spoke particularly emotionally about a possible return to Hajduk. "Of course, I would be happy if I returned; I'm constantly working on myself," concluded Capan, adding that his fondest memory from Hajduk is his debut and the story with the Youth Champions League.
