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Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Ardijan Kozniku, the former Hajduk Split striker who has been working as a coach for years, analyzes for “sportklub.hr” the start of the “White Blues” season and warns of the European matches against Dinamo Tirana. After the dramatic qualification against Zira and the continuation of the competition in Europe, the Split team awaits a very difficult challenge against Dinamo Tirana, a multiple champion in Albania and a club with a rich tradition. Kozniku reveals what Hajduk needs to change to advance further in Europe, but also to maintain its high ambitions in the domestic championship.
Hajduk won the first match against Istra 2-1, narrowly eliminated Zira and now faces a double clash with Dinamo Tirana (August 7 and 14). How do you comment on Hajduk's start to the season?
The start of the HNL for Hajduk was with an expected victory over Istra. It was not an easy match, but they got the three points and are on the same level with their rivals at the start. Dinamo and Rijeka got the three points, so I think we are in for a very, very interesting championship.
What can Hajduk fans expect in the next 10 days regarding Dinamo Tirana?
Dinamo Tirana is a club with a lot of tradition in Albania, many times champion and Cup winner. It is true that they have not won the championship for a long time, but they are the current Cup winners. I can say that in Albania they are something similar to Hajduk in Croatia. They have taken on new investors, which is felt in the club's ambitions. It is worth mentioning that Eduard Abazi moved from Dinamo Tirana to Hajduk in the early 90s and some fans probably remember him.
The coach of Dinamo Tirana is well-known and also remembered by Dinamo Zagreb fans?
Dinamo Tirana is led by Ilir Daja, a coach with a lot of experience who has left an impression on me. In Kosovo, he won the championship three times in a row with Balkan, while his calmness and discipline are clearly visible in the team's play. When he was leading Balkan, two years ago he won 2-0 against Dinamo Zagreb in the group stage of the Conference League, and this shows something. With Dinamo Tirana last season he won the Cup, so no opponent should be underestimated.
Do you have any message for the players and everyone at Hajduk ahead of these European challenges?
My message to the players is: Why did you come to Hajduk? Show and prove who you are and why you wear the white jersey. If you don't give your best, then you are not where you should be. Only with victory, desire and dedication will you win the public, the city and everything around. I have taken a lot from Hajduk: affirmation as a player, Croatian citizenship, I have made many friends and most importantly, the sense of belonging. Therefore, don't stop with just one match or one goal, you don't live on past glory, you must always confirm yourself. I wish all clubs, especially Hajduk, for a long and successful journey in Europe. But I repeat, facing Hajduk is a difficult opponent. Tradition obliges, Dinamo has its history in Albania, just like Hajduk in Croatia and in the former Yugoslavia. They will have to show everything they know and can in those 180 minutes.
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