Both footballers called the return to their former club’s stadium special, but emphasized that the most important thing will be to focus on their own game.
“I am very happy to be back at the stadium where I dreamed of playing. It’s a bit strange to return here wearing green shirts, but that’s life and football,” said P. Bosančičius. “The first match didn’t go as we wanted, but now we have a second chance. We will strive to give our all, win, and achieve the best possible result.”
M. Capanas, who left Hajduk six months ago, also did not hide his emotions.
“I am very happy to be back, especially just six months after my departure. Returning to the Poljud stadium is a special feeling. For those who have played here, it brings a lot of emotions. Scoring a goal in the first team match was also a very emotional moment for me,” said the midfielder.
After the 2:5 loss in Vilnius, Žalgiris needs another impressive comeback in Split. According to P. Bosančičius, the current situation is different from the previous one when they managed to erase a three-goal deficit.
“On paper, the situations are similar – we again have a three-goal deficit. But now everything is different: we played the first match at home, and the return leg will be in Split. We know the pressure felt here, the expectations, and understand Hajduk’s position. We are preparing for that, but we also know our strengths. In football, one mistake or one episode can turn the game completely in another direction. We are focused on ourselves and will try to show our maximum,” said the defender.
M. Capanas emphasized that the green-whites should not try to solve everything from the first minutes.
“We have to try to play a good match, try to score, and show our best game. I don’t think we should chase three goals from the start. We need to go step by step, as we did against Tbilisi Dinamo. In the end, that might give us a chance,” he said.
When asked about the brightest memories at Hajduk, both Žalgiris players highlighted their debuts. P. Bosančičius recalled his first match and victory against Koprivnica’s Slaven Belupo, while M. Capanas mentioned not only his debut in the main team but also the memorable Hajduk youth team run in the UEFA Youth League.
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M. Capanas also assured that he does not feel resentment for leaving the Split club without getting more opportunities.
“I regret nothing and am not angry at anyone. I had quite a few injuries playing here, including serious ones, so the right time hadn’t come for me then. I came to Žalgiris to play and get more minutes. This match is important to me because every professional wants to prove that he is a good footballer – not only to Hajduk but to everyone else,” said the midfielder.
The Croatian footballers also warned their teammates about the atmosphere awaiting at the Poljud stadium.
“They asked what to expect, but such things are hard to describe. I think it will be a great match for everyone and a good experience to play in such an atmosphere. I hope we will be able to enjoy it,” said P. Bosančičius.
“It’s impossible to describe – you have to feel it yourself. I think everyone will feel it tomorrow,” added M. Capanas.
The return match at Split’s Poljud stadium will start on Thursday at 10 p.m. Lithuanian time (9 p.m. local time).
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