February 21, 2017
Reporters had their first chance to speak with Union midfielder Haris Medunjanin on Tuesday afternoon.
The Bosnian international jumped on an introductory conference call, explaining his decision to sign with Major League Soccer and sharing first impressions of his new club.
Medunjanin speaks several languages, and while his English is very good, his accent does make transcribing a spotty phone call somewhat difficult. Some of these answers contain bits of paraphrasing.
On the decision to come to Major League Soccer and Philadelphia:
Medunjanin: "I always wanted to come to the United States because, during my years with the (Bosnian) national team, I played in the States and I always liked it. I was always talking with my teammates from Bosnia, that hopefully one day we could play in the United States. I had a conversation with Earnie Stewart and I had a good feeling about it, especially because he was here. We spoke again and he gave me a good feeling about it, and that's why I made this choice."
On his connection with Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart, who played professionally in the Netherlands while Medunjanin was growing up:
Medunjanin: "I didn't know him (personally), but I knew him from the television, from when he was a player. I knew who he was and I had an opportunity to speak with him, and obviously keep my conditioning so I could play for another team."
On meeting his new teammates:
Medunjanin: "I'm always positive. I've been here one week and there's a lot of potential in this team. I think, as a group, we need to work together and play together, but I think we can be good. The (goal) is to work for each other and play good football and hopefully, we'll have some good results for the season."
Medunjanin says the training with the Union is the same as he's had with other clubs internationally.
— Brotherly Game (@BrotherlyGame) February 21, 2017
On playing his first 45 minutes with the team last Saturday:
Medunjanin: "I think it was a good match. The tempo was good.We stressed getting a good result. I think we can improve every game, but overall, we won the game so now we have to look at things we can improve in the upcoming matches tomorrow and Saturday."
On the quality of Israeli league, where he had two spells with Maccabi Tel Aviv:
Medunjanin: "The league is okay. There are three or four teams that are fighting for the championship. Last year I played for the best team in the league and we played in the Europa League, so the level is quite good. I feel like we could have advanced to the knockout rounds but we needed just one more point. We played two good teams (Alkmaar and Zenit St. Petersburg).
I think there are a lot of good players in the Israeli league and they have a good national team also. Overall there are three or four teams that are playing for the championship. That's what I can say about it."
On representing Bosnia and also playing at the 2014 World Cup:
Medunjanin: "As a young guy you always dream to be at a World Cup or a European Cup. In the end, we achieved that with the national team. For me, it was a dream come true to play in Brazil and it was a very nice experience. We had a good team then and we still have a good team. So, even now we have the confidence to be second place in (our group) to go to the playoffs for the World Cup in Russia. I didn't speak yet with the national team coach about whether he's going to call me or not, but I don't even think about it anymore. If he calls me, he calls me. If not, then no problem at all. (rest of answer is inaudible)
On playing alongside Alejandro Bedoya:
Medunjanin: "Ale is a good player. He always wants the ball and he's a good guy outside of the team, just talking football and explaining MLS. It good to have someone who can explain to me those things. Everybody is helpful. It's nice to be here and I'm happy to be here. Hopefully, I can help the team get some good results."
Medunjanin cites Roland Alberg as one of the players who's helped him get settled.
— Philly Soccer Page (@phillysoccerpg) February 21, 2017
