Hajduk hosts Žalgiris on Thursday at 9 PM at Poljud in the second leg of the Conference League third qualifying round with a massive 5:2 lead from the first match. Coach Garcia and captain Silić announce an attacking approach and a spot in the play-off.
Hajduk will play the return leg of the Conference League third qualifying round against Žalgiris on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 9 PM at Poljud. The Whites won the first match in Vilnius convincingly 5:2 and welcome the Lithuanian side with that huge advantage.
Hajduk coach Gonzalo Garcia addressed the media on Wednesday, August 12, commenting on the tough summer conditions and how his team will approach the match. "It's never pleasant to play in the heat, but it will be easier for us than for them. When you train in this heat every day, it's not easy. We try to train as late as possible so the players don't get too tired. It's hard to play any sport in this heat," Garcia said for Danas.net.hr.
Asked what advice he gives his players ahead of the return leg and whether they go in as if it's 0:0, Garcia was clear. "They need to go out and give their all, that's what I always tell them. If you think too much about the result, bad things happen. We'll give our best to win."
Regarding the lineup, he confirmed that only Roko Brajković is unavailable. "We have many matches, it's physically and mentally tough. We'll make a few changes to have fresh legs and minds. We want to give some players the chance to show what they can do."
Garcia also touched on the ups and downs in European and domestic matches, admitting the team is still searching for consistency. "I think when we're at our best, we're excellent. We have many new players, we play often, it's not easy to be at that level every time. Before Varaždin we were too tired, we've already talked about that. Against Istra we played a great half, then conceded a silly goal. We need to keep growing, stay focused and calm."
Although Hajduk has a domestic match against Gorica after Žalgiris, Garcia doesn't want to look ahead. "I'm not thinking about Gorica. I have great respect for every opponent. Every match is important for us and we need to be focused on each one. We don't have time to think about Gorica now," he concluded.
New Hajduk captain Toni Silić received the armband ten days ago in the match in Varaždin and doesn't hide his emotions. "Being captain is definitely a dream come true. It's a pride for me and my family."
On the 5:2 lead from the first leg, he says: "It's certainly a big advantage. We played great there, we won away after a long time. We'll set up attacking, that's the only way we know how to play."
Silić believes Hajduk can repeat the performance from Vilnius and secure a spot in the Conference League play-off. "We certainly can. If we go in with the same approach and energy, I'm sure we'll celebrate and enter the play-off, where we haven't been for years."
