Having joined FK Kauno Žalgiris last week, Haris Kadrić has already made his debut in the Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) Cup quarterfinal against BFA Vilnius, where he introduced himself to the green-and-whites with an energetic performance and an assist for Motiejus Burba.
The 26-year-old striker, who arrived in Kaunas from Primorje, a club that competed in Slovenia's top division last season, in his first interview after joining the club, said that his only focus in Lithuania is winning.
"First of all, I'm very happy to have joined the champions—a team with high ambitions that competes for trophies. At Kaunas, you have to win everything. The expectations are high, and I won't have any problems adapting to this winning mentality. We'll try to win the cup, the league, and qualify for the main stage of a UEFA competition. As I've said, the team always comes first, and when the team plays well, individual players shine. I want to help the team with good performances, but if the team is successful, everyone will be happy," the Slovenian told Žalgiris.lt.
At the beginning of July, FK Kauno Žalgiris will make its debut in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers at Darius and Girėnas Stadium, where they will face Drita from Gjilan, Kosovo. Tickets for the match are available through the club's official ticketing platform.
"The UEFA Champions League is a competition you dream about as a little kid. Of course, it won't be easy, but I believe this team has plenty of quality. European matches give you experience and visibility—it's something everyone looks forward to," the new signing said ahead of the upcoming European campaign.
According to Kadrić, the team's attacking style of play was one of the main reasons he decided to join the Lithuanian champions.
"If a team's philosophy is attacking football with the idea of scoring more goals, that's great for a striker. I think the team's attacking style was the main reason I decided to come to Kaunas. The team always comes first, but a striker is the player who has to finish attacks, and I hope I'll be able to do that many times," he explained.
The forward, who will wear the No. 99 shirt in Kaunas, has already gained experience playing not only in Slovenia, but also in Serbia and Poland during his career.
"Playing abroad gives you more experience, lets you meet new people, and exposes you to different styles of football. It helped me understand what football is like outside Slovenia. That experience makes it easier to adapt now, even though every club and every country has its own story," the striker said about his time as a foreign player.
Standing 188 cm tall, Kadrić describes himself as a physically strong striker who is ready to adapt to the team's style of play while making the most of his strengths.
"I'd say I'm a tall, strong striker who's good in the air. I like finishing attacks, being dangerous in the box, and creating problems for defenders. I'm working on adapting to the coach's requirements, but as I've said, my main goal is to score goals and help the team," said the newest member of Kauno Žalgiris.
FK Kauno Žalgiris will play their next TOPLYGA match on July 3, away against Džiugas, before returning to Kaunas a few days later for the already-mentioned UEFA Champions League qualifying clash against the champions of Kosovo. Tickets are available online through the club's official website.
