Mario Kovačević announces guesting at Thun: We are optimistically going to Switzerland

Croatian football champion Hajduk Split will face Swiss club Thun in their opening match of the new season in the second round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. The game, scheduled for Tuesday, marks the first official match for Hajduk under their new coach, Mario Kovačević, who has expressed confidence in his team's readiness despite acknowledging the challenges ahead. The match against Thun comes just days after Kovačević confirmed the team’s preparations were complete and all players were fit and ready for the challenge. Speaking shortly before the trip to Switzerland, the coach emphasized the importance of the upcoming fixture while cautioning that early-season matches can be unpredictable. He highlighted the team's focus on preparation throughout the year, noting that they had thoroughly scouted their opponents and approached the game with optimism. Kovačević acknowledged the potential difficulties posed by playing on artificial turf, stating that the team would conduct training sessions to adapt to the surface. However, he stressed that this was not a major concern for the squad. His primary objective remained clear: securing a positive result in the match against Thun. He expressed belief in the team's ability to achieve this goal, emphasizing the collective effort and preparation leading up to the encounter. In addition to confirming the match against Thun, Hajduk learned on Monday about the possible opponent in the third qualifying round should they defeat Thun. If successful, Hajduk would face the winner of the tie involving Norwegian side Stabæk and Lithuanian club Kaunas Žalgiris. Despite this information, Kovačević stated that the team's attention was fully focused on the immediate task of defeating Thun. He mentioned that further training sessions and meetings were planned to ensure the team was well-prepared for the match and familiarized with the conditions they would face. The upcoming match represents a crucial step for Hajduk as they aim to progress through the Champions League qualifiers. With a strong squad and a determined coaching staff, the team is looking to make a statement in their European campaign. Their performance against Thun will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as it sets the tone for the rest of the qualification process. The match against Thun is set to take place on Tuesday, with both teams hoping to secure a favorable outcome. For Hajduk, it is an opportunity to showcase their capabilities on the continental stage, while Thun aims to defend their home ground effectively. As the teams prepare for the encounter, the focus remains firmly on delivering a competitive performance that reflects the hard work and dedication invested in the pre-season preparations.