Hajduk vs Žalgiris: Garcia Announces Rotations, Silić on the Captain's Armband
The Whites' goalkeeper highlighted pride and family honor, while coach Garcia announced rotations and an aggressive approach in the return leg against Žalgiris at Poljud.
The Whites' goalkeeper highlighted pride and family honor, while coach Garcia announced rotations and an aggressive approach in the return leg against Žalgiris at Poljud.
Hajduk welcomes Lithuanian side Žalgiris to Poljud on Thursday at 9 PM in the return leg of the third qualifying round of the Conference League. The first match in Vilnius ended in a convincing 5:2 victory for the Split side, and ahead of the return leg, coach Gonzalo Garcia and goalkeeper Toni Silić spoke to the media.
Silić, who has recently taken on the captain's role, did not hide his emotions. "It's certainly a dream come true, a great honor and pride for me and my family," he said for Narod.hr, and he repeated similar sentiments for Dalmacija News: "I've been here all my life. It's a great honor to wear the captain's armband, and a pride for my family."
He also commented on the big advantage from the first match but stressed there is no room for complacency. "It's a big advantage; we played a very good match there, after many years we celebrated away, but we will enter this match aggressively, that's the only way we know how to play," said the Whites' goalkeeper.
Coach Garcia dismissed the idea that his team would calculate with the high lead. "We always start the match as if it's 0:0. If you think about something else, surprises happen. We have to play our game, start at full strength," he said. He added that conditions are demanding due to high temperatures, but he believes his team is better adapted: "It's never pleasant to play when it's hot, but it will be easier for us than for them. When you train every day in this heat, it's not easy. We try to train as late as possible so the players don't get too tired."
The Spanish coach is also aware of player fatigue due to the congested schedule. "We've played a lot of matches and we're spending a lot of energy. There will certainly be some changes because we need freshness, and I'll also give some players a chance to prove themselves," Garcia announced. The only absence due to injury is Roko Brajković, while all other players are available. He also emphasized that it's hard to play every three days both physically and mentally, and that rotations will bring fresh legs and a fresh mind.
Hajduk has conceded several goals in the final minutes of matches this season, which was also a topic at the press conference. Silić admits that this is an area the team must work on. "There are many things to fix, there's a lot of room for improvement, for me and the whole team. I'm certainly not satisfied with how many goals we've conceded," he said, adding that they are working on that process to correct the negative aspects.
Garcia, meanwhile, explained the fluctuations in performance due to the young squad and the large number of new players. "It's not easy to play every three days and be at your best. Before Varaždin, we were too tired; we've already talked about that. Against Istra, we played an excellent half, then conceded a stupid goal, but we controlled the match," the coach analyzed. He added that against Istra they didn't have a shot until they conceded, and that everyone should stay calm and keep working because they've shown they can play well.
Although Hajduk has a league match against Gorica after the European tie, the club does not want to look ahead. "No. We go step by step. I have respect for every opponent and we go in order. We have an important match tomorrow and we don't have time to think about Gorica now," Garcia was clear. Silić agreed: "We're not thinking about Gorica yet. We have a good advantage, but nothing is decided yet."
The goalkeeper believes Hajduk can repeat their performance from Lithuania and secure a place in the Conference League play-off. "If we enter with the same approach and energy, I'm sure we'll celebrate and get into the play-off, which we haven't been in for years," Silić concluded. If they get past Žalgiris, the Split side will face the winner of the tie between Polish side Raków and Swedish side Hammarby in the play-off.
