Skerla: Dambrauskas is the best Lithuanian coach
Žalgiris coach Andrius Skerla and former Hajduk players Petar Bosančić and Marko Capan announced the return leg of the Conference League third qualifying round at Poljud.
Žalgiris coach Andrius Skerla and former Hajduk players Petar Bosančić and Marko Capan announced the return leg of the Conference League third qualifying round at Poljud.
Hajduk will host Lithuanian side Žalgiris on Thursday at 9 PM 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 Vilnius, but the visitors are not arriving 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, Petar Bosančić and Marko Capan.
Particularly interesting was Skerla's connection to Hajduk. The Lithuanian tactician revealed that during Valdas Dambrauskas' tenure at the helm of the Whites, he stayed in Split and learned from him. "I think he is the best coach in Lithuania. I lived with him for that week, I learned a lot and enjoyed it. Hajduk played excellently then," Skerla said for Slobodna Dalmacija.
He also added that he consulted with Dambrauskas ahead of this match. "Valdas carries many memories from here, I spoke a lot with him. He said that Hajduk is a big club and that they have an excellent squad. It's hard to compare the Lithuanian and Croatian leagues. We saw that yesterday in the match between Dinamo and Kaunas."
Žalgiris eliminated Georgian side Dinamo Tbilisi in the previous round, overturning a three-goal deficit. Skerla was asked whether such a miracle could be repeated against Hajduk. "That was a miracle, it doesn't happen often. Hajduk is a completely different team. It's hard to say we expect a miracle. They only happen sometimes," Skerla said.
He also commented on the atmosphere awaiting him at Poljud. "When Dambrauskas was the coach, I witnessed the atmosphere. Tomorrow will be similar. We are not used to playing in front of such a crowd, but it will be a good experience. We want to play a good match," he added.
Petar Bosančić did not hide his emotions about returning to the stadium where he dreamed of playing. "I am very happy to be here, at the stadium where I always dreamed of playing. It's strange to be here in a green shirt, but that's football. We weren't good in the first match, but we will try to get the best possible result in the return," Bosančić said.
His teammate Marko Capan, who left Hajduk six months ago, also highlighted the special nature of this visit. "I am very happy to be here, I left six months ago. Returning to Poljud is a special feeling. I scored a goal in the last match, that was also something special," Capan said.
Both also shared their favorite moments related to the Split club. Bosančić highlighted his debut in Koprivnica and the victory against Slaven Belupo, while Capan singled out his debut for Hajduk and the Youth Champions League final.
They also commented on Hajduk's recent draw with Istra in the domestic league. "Hajduk was better, but they showed vulnerabilities. I hope we will also find their weaknesses," Bosančić concluded. Capan added: "I think Hajduk was the better team. In the end, they didn't win, so tomorrow will certainly be a big motivation."
