April 20, 2019 - For the second season in a row, the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States boasts one Croatian player. Namely, the 30-year-old Damir Kreilach, who is the former Rijeka captain, plays in the shirt of Real Salt Lake and faces football superstars like Ibrahimović, Rooney, and Schweinsteiger.
Damir Kreilach scored last week for Real Salt Lake in their win against Orlando in the seventh round of the US championship. He returned after a red card suspension and was the second goal scorer in the 2:1 victory. Kreilach spoke to HRT from the United States.
“We're a little weaker in the championship; this is our second win. There has been a lack of luck, and I also had a red card... but now we are back to winning, and I hope this will continue. Our primary goal is to fight for the playoffs, we have a good team, and I believe we can do it."
After 150 appearances in the jersey of Rijeka and Union Berlin, the Croatian midfielder is in his second MLS season. He signed for Real Salt Lake in February 2018.
“I am very happy, very pleased, and I think I made the right move by going to the MLS. One beautiful thing is that I have been introduced to a new culture. I was convinced of everything I was told about the American league.”
Last season's West Conference quarterfinals, Real Salt Lake kicked out Los Angeles FC - and they even crushed LA Galaxy in the championship - just one of the world-famous names.
“The league is organized at a high level, stars such as Zlatan Ibrahimović, Wayne Rooney, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Carlos Vela also raise the league to even higher quality. The Americans want to make a nice story out of the MLS, the infrastructure is great; this is confirmed by the excellent training centers where we have preparations.”
The MLS is made up of 24 clubs, 12 in the Western and Eastern Conference. Real Salt Lake won the championship ten years ago, their games each week played in front of a sold-out stadium with 20,000 seats.
“According to some statistics, the interest in football here grows year after year. That's an indicator of what Americans want to make of football. In Utah, or Salt Lake, there are many kids playing football every step of the way.”
Kreilach’s best season concluded with 15 goals and five assists - excellent statistics for a midfielder. He has also become an audience favorite.
“My motto is work, work and work alone. When I get on the pitch, my first goal is to give one hundred percent. I am very happy that the fans have recognized this and it is certain that this is still my guide in my career moving forward.”
The US did not compete at the World Cup in Russia last year, but most Americans cheered for Croatia.
“Most of my teammates cheered for us in the final. They saw what Croats could do with will and desire, effort and quality. The performance of our team was inspiring to them; it was the first time in 30 years they were left without the tournament.”
Damir Kreilach's contract with Real Salt Lake is good until the winter of 2020, so what then?
“I definitely have the desire to go back to Rijeka and hopefully lift a trophy.”
Kreilach left Rijeka in 2013.
“It was not easy for me to leave Rijeka, the club that gave me everything. I felt that same family atmosphere at Union Berlin, the great synergy with the supporters. I say, you never know, it's hard to plan, but I'd like to come back to my home club.”
Rijeka has since moved to Rujevica stadium. However, a Chinese investor could soon begin building a new stadium in Kantrida.
“I did not play at Rujevica, but I would like to play at the new Kantrida! This is, unfortunately, an unforeseen goal that is not easy to accomplish. Every Rijeka fan dreams of returning Rijeka to Kantrida. Even though Rujevica is a top camp, the Kantrida stadium connects Rijeka and its people. What Damir Mišković did with the club, few can do. The club has risen to the European level, a big congratulations to the players and coach Kek, but also the fans who are always at the club, in good and bad moments.”
His ultimate dream was to play in the jersey of the Croatia national team.
“Frankly, while I was at Union Berlin, I thought about it. Every player who puts on their boots has the desire to one day wear a national team jersey. That was my wish. Now I'm 30 years old, and I do not think about it anymore. We are the World Cup finalists, it's a big deal, and we have top players in top clubs.”
One thing is for sure - wherever he is, Kreilach still has a lot left to show.
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