Brotherly Game Archive
Presser notes: Haris Medunjanin
The Bosnia and Herzegovina native gives his first press conference for the Union.
Haris Medunjanin gave his first press conference as a member of the Philadelphia Union earlier. Didn’t call in? No worries, we have you covered. Per the usual when I write these up, questions are in bold and were asked by committee. Answers will follow in plain typeface.
Marisa Pilla (CSN): How has this training differed from training with the other clubs you have been a part of?
I see the team is very professional. It’s nice to play with the guys and every day the training is different. Nice to be able to learn something new every day.
Jonathan Tannenwald (Inquirer) What is life like in the Israeli league? Maybe give an introduction for the fans who may not know what it was like before you got here?
The Israeli league is okay. The winner of the league qualifies for the Champions league and I played many years in the Europa League. Being in the second round of the group stage, played some very good teams. That’s what I can say about it. (Haris was in Europa League qualifying in 2011 and 2016 with Maccabi Tel Aviv.)
Kevin Kinkead (Philly voice): When you first met Earnie Stewart, did you know each other from being at AZ Alkmaar?
No I didn’t know him when I was in the Netherlands. I knew him from the television from when he was a player so I know who he was and I had spoke with him one time about keeping my condition so I could play.
JT: Experiences with Bosnia and Herzegovina National Team playing in the World Cup in 2014 and will you be able to continue playing with BIH now that you are in the US?
There’s a lot of value in being in the World Cup and it was a dream come true to play in Brazil. I think we had a good team (in ‘14) and I think we will have a better team for Russia. If (BIH coach Mehmed Baždarević) calls me he calls me and I will have to think about taking the offer. This year I want to be my best year and take my shot to show people that I came here and hopefully I can do that.
Jacob (Philadelphia Union): How have you and Alejandro Bedoya been able to build chemistry so quickly?
Ale is a good player and you always want the ball and we are talking about football and he’s been explaining about who is going where. Like I said it’s about learning something new and finding something new every day.
Jacob: To follow up on that what’s it been like rooming with him in Clearwater?
Yeah, it’s been good. He’s helping me by explaining MLS and what things look like for the Union and how to play with guys like Roland Alberg. Everyone’s been helping me out and I am happy to be here and it’s very nice to be here.
There you have it folks, he’s looked lethal so far in preseason and for only coming to the States a week ago he gives a pretty solid interview. Thoughts on Haris so far? Let us know in the comments.