Zvonimir Kozulj, new Hajduk's midfielder made his debut in a friendly match against Mosor, where he played the first half. This 22-year old player came to Hajduk from NK Siroki Brijeg, where he played 22 matches and scored 6 goals last season.
He was in Zrinjski Mostar Youth Academy, later he played for Vitez, Branitelj Mostar and Siroki Brijeg.
Last week, he made his debut for Bosnia - Herzegovina team on Kirin Cup in Japan. Head coach Mehmed Bazdarevic invited him to the national team after a great season in Siroki, where he was the best player and one of the best B&H Premier League players.
What motivated you to come to Hajduk?
- I come from Mostar which is quite close to Split, I know many Hajduk supporters there. Hajduk has a great tradition, reputation and supporters. It seems to me that I can make a progress as a player here, which was one of the reasons why I signed for Hajduk. I had a few offers and some other clubs were interested too, but Hajduk was the fairest. He immediately made agreement and I'm really safisfied that I became a player of Hajduk.
Did you know any of the players before you came here?
- I knew Tino Susic but I've started meeting everyone else too. I believe that I will fit in with the team soon.
How did your friends and family react?
- Not only friends and family, everyone was enthusiastic about my choice. I get many messages of supprot from whole Herzegovina. I hope that I will help Hajduk and that I will make my mark here.
What are your first mpressions?
- I'm really satisfied with how I was accepted by the coach, teammates and staff. I didn't have time to take a walk through the city, we have two training sessions a day, but there will be enough time later.
What are your best playing skills?
- I think I draw attention to myself by my kicks and goals outside of the penalty box. There is much more to show but I play well forward.
You were among the best B&H Premier League players, do you expect it to happen in MAXtv First League too?
- I won the second place in the end. I hope that I can repete it, the first friendly against Mosor is not relevant. We now have 14 days to prepare for the season and I hope that we can follow coach Pusnik's ideas and thus develop as a team.
You made your first appearance for B&H team in Japan, do you expect further invitations?
- If I stayed in Siroki, maybe not, but Susic, for example, became a regular national team member due to his games in Hajduk. If I keep showing good game, I don't see why coach Bazdarevic wouldn't invite me.
Your first First League home match in the upcoming season will be a derby against Dinamo?
- There is no tough schedule or an easy one. We go from one match to another and we have to be ready. There are Europa League qualifications ahead of us. We have to think about both competitions, I hope that we will start the season with a victory in Vinkovci, than we can expect crowded Poljud against Dinamo.
Have you ever watched Hajduk in Split?
- To tell the truth, I didn't. I came to Poljud for the first time a few days ago, when I signed a contract. It feels great to be here, I can't wait to see crowded stands and hear the fans chant.
Have you been following Hajduk's matches?
- Of course, I mostly watched European matches. I hope that we will do everything necessary to make the enthusiasm last, for which it will be necessary to work hard. I have no doubt in my teammates and I believe that we will carry out successfuly the upcoming tasks.
