Kalajdžić Declares Himself Ready for World Cup, Vows to Accept Any Role

A Career Defined by Resilience

Kalajdžić has endured three cruciate ligament tears, setbacks that would have ended many careers. Missing EURO 2024 due to injury was a particularly bitter blow, and he described the thought of a potential trip to North America as "ein zukünftiges Trostpflaster" during his recovery.

His path back to the national team was paved by a dominant loan spell at LASK this spring. Kalajdžić recorded 18 scorer points in the spring season alone, finishing the campaign with seven goals and eleven assists.

That form helped LASK secure a historic league and cup double, the club's first in 61 years. The performances made his World Cup selection undeniable.

A Historic Season at LASK

"Ich habe schon dran geglaubt, deswegen bin ich auch hier, weil mich der Glaube antreibt. Aber es war schon eine harte Aufgabe, von dem her bin ich sehr stolz und dankbar," Kalajdžić stated.

Despite his success, the competition for a starting spot is fierce. Michael Gregoritsch and Marko Arnautović are currently considered the frontrunners for the center-forward position. Kalajdžić, however, believes his unique physical profile offers a different option.

"Ich habe allein aufgrund meiner Größe ein anderes Profil und kann der Mannschaft etwas Besonderes geben," the two-meter-tall striker explained. He previously showcased his aerial threat by scoring a memorable diving header for Austria against Italy at EURO 2021.

Competition and Club Future

Regarding his club future, Kalajdžić remains focused on the present. He is under contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers until 2027, but the club was recently relegated from the Premier League. Recent rumors have linked him with a move to Schalke, where he could reunite with Austrian coach Miron Muslic.

"Aber es gab in meiner Karriere schon 1.000 Gerüchte, die lassen mich mittlerweile grundsätzlich kalt," he said dismissively. "Für mich ist jetzt die WM das Wichtigste."

Focused on the National Team

Kalajdžić learned of his nomination through a press conference, a moment he described as a relief and a validation. "Ich habe schon mit einem Auge drauf geschielt, aber man ist sich nie sicher. Ich habe mich sehr gefreut, es war auch eine Erleichterung und eine Bestätigung für die harte Arbeit der vergangenen Jahre."

As the team prepares for the global stage, Kalajdžić is determined to make the most of the opportunity. "Es ist die größte Plattform der Welt, aber ich bin im Hier und Jetzt und schaue Schritt für Schritt," he said. "Ich versuche, im Hier und Jetzt zu sein und jedes Training zu nutzen, um der beste Saša zu werden, der ich sein kann."

He described the World Cup participation as an "absolute Krönung" and has a clear ambition for the tournament. "Ich möchte unser Land stolz machen," Kalajdžić said, aiming to turn the event into an "unvergessliches Erlebnis" for Austria.