Sasa Kalajdzic
In a recent pre-season training match against CD Santa Clara, the Austrian player found the back of the net, signaling a positive step in his recovery from a severe knee injury. The match, held behind closed doors in the Algarve, consisted of two 35-minute halves and ended in a 2-1 loss for his team. This game marked a significant milestone for the player, who missed the entire 2024/25 season due to his third ACL injury.
Sasa Kalajdzic said: “I felt stable. I felt good. I felt strong. The last minutes were kind of hard, especially with the heat, but every game, every minute is helping me to recover even better. But in terms of the injury, I felt really, really good. It was a long rehab, and I will take it step by step. I have good people around me who are supporting me and who are assisting me to manage it well, and that’s why I’m not concerned.”
Sasa Kalajdzic continued: “Normally, no one is looking forward to pre-season, but this time I’m really, really looking forward to it because I didn’t have it for a long time. It was a really good feeling, after a long, long time, just kicking the ball with my mates in an unofficial, but for me, more official game. I’m just happy that everything went well. In terms of fitness, I gained more minutes, I played with the others to get to know them again, more and more on the pitch. For me personally, it was a really, really good next step.”
Sasa Kalajdzic added: “There’s not an obligation to do this and this, the most important thing is to tick it off, to have the first game again, to feel everything, get aware of everything, and I think that was a really good first step. There is a long, long pre-season to go, and a lot more games. My goals will go higher, and my ambitions will go higher with that, but for now, I’m really happy. It’s always great (to score), and it’s easier for me, and it’s easier for everyone, if you’re successful. In training I hit it a few times, but it’s not the same feeling, and I hope I can continue with it. Right now, I’m really pleased.”
The Austrian’s return to the field is a testament to his resilience and determination. Having been sidelined for an entire season, his successful participation in the pre-season match is a crucial step in regaining full fitness. The player expressed contentment with his performance and emphasized the importance of taking each step carefully in his recovery journey. His ability to score in the friendly match not only boosts his confidence but also sets a positive tone for the upcoming pre-season. The player’s focus remains on gradually increasing his goals and ambitions as he continues to build his fitness and reintegrate with his teammates.
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