Having joined FK Kauno Zalgiris less than a week ago, Ivan Fiolic has already traveled with the team to Kosovo and will be ready to make his TOPLYGA debut this weekend.
As he awaits his first match in the green-and-white shirt, the Croatian midfielder gave an interview to Žalgiris.lt, introducing himself to the club's supporters.
“Everything happened very quickly. My wife and I had plans at home when I received a phone call with the offer. I immediately said yes. I didn’t negotiate or do anything that would delay the process. A few minutes later, I was already talking to the coach and packing my bags. From our very first conversation, I felt something special – I immediately had the feeling that everything was right. Then I saw the stadium and the city. We’re close to reaching the group stage, and we’re fighting for the title. I had no doubts,” the player said in his first interview.
Primarily an attacking midfielder, Fiolic said he was pleasantly surprised by the quality of his new teammates and welcomed the healthy competition within the squad.
“I feel most comfortable as an attacking midfielder, but I can also play on the wing. I’ll play wherever the team needs me. As soon as I arrived, the coach told me this was a very good team. After my first training session and the first match, I saw that we really have a strong squad. I could immediately tell that the players are highly competitive, and that’s great for the team. We’ll all push each other to improve, and that’s the most important thing. That’s the only way we’ll get better every day and achieve our goals,” Fiolic explained.
The club’s newest signing is a product of Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb academy.
“When I talk about Dinamo, I get emotional because it’s my hometown club, where I grew up. So many great footballers have come through there and now play for the national team. There’s always huge competition, and that pushes players forward and forces them to improve,” the Croatian said of his former club.
Throughout his career, Fiolic has played in several countries and won multiple trophies. According to the midfielder, the desire to win has always been one of the defining aspects of his character.
“I’m someone who has to win. Even when I’m playing board games with my wife, I have to win – and if I lose, I get angry. I think that mentality helps in football too. In Dinamo’s system, losing is simply not considered normal, and that’s how I was raised. I don’t like losing. I’m not normal when I lose. Looking back at what I’ve achieved in my career, I’m proud of it. I hope I’ll win titles here as well,” the midfielder said.
Fiolic will wear the No. 17 shirt for Kauno Zalgiris and could make his debut as early as Saturday in the home match against FA Siauliai at Darius and Girėnas Stadium. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the club’s official ticketing system.
The full interview with Kauno Žalgiris’ new signing is available on the club’s official YouTube channel.
