Graf reveals: the gap to Dinamo is a chasm

In the Polish podcast Mieczyki, Hajduk's sporting director Robert Graf was a guest ahead of the Conference League playoff match against Raków Częstochowa. He spoke openly about the financial state at Poljud, the squad overhaul, and his relationship with Marko Livaja after the early-season difficulties.

Zero for transfers, hope in sales

Graf stated that the transfer budget is "a round zero," adding that "at least there's no problem with money because there is none." He also announced changes to the salary structure and a reduction in player wages. "Financially, we don't look our best. I hope that after selling players, we'll manage to set aside some money for transfers," said Graf. He added that in terms of salaries, "it was a bit chaotic," and he now wants to structure it.

He singled out Rokas Pukštas and Niko Sigur as the two biggest market assets for potential sales. Despite modest finances, Hajduk has already completed eight incoming transfers this summer, and Graf wants four more, which would mean a complete squad rebuild. Among the new signings are Etnik Brruti, Anđelo Šutalo, Alec Van Hoorenbeeck, Mathieu Acapandié, Alberto del Moral, Dalisson de Almeida, Marin Šotiček, and Dennis Hadžikadunić. Šotiček arrived on loan from Basel until the end of the season with an option to buy, while Hadžikadunić came as a free agent. Graf said that Lindon Selahi is no longer an option, although there was interest about a month and a half earlier. He also revealed that Hajduk had long negotiations with a young player who ultimately chose a Dutch club, and that there will be no arrivals from the Polish Ekstraklasa.

He also emphasized the importance of the club's own academy: the club's strategy is that between 40 and 50 percent of the squad places should be reserved for players developed in Hajduk's youth system.

Relationship with Livaja and the fight for Šotiček

He also commented on the situation with Marko Livaja that marked the start of the season, including his temporary removal from the squad. "It was a difficult situation, but I believe it was very necessary. Today, the relations between me, the coach, and Marko are more than correct. We simply had to resolve it," said Graf. He added: "It wasn't pleasant for any party, but it was necessary."

He also confirmed that there was a serious battle with Rijeka for Marin Šotiček. "That call from Ivica Olić probably went more in favor of the other club than ours, so it wasn't easy," said Graf, adding that they eventually managed to bring the player on loan.

Chasm to Dinamo and opportunity after 15 years

The most striking part of the conversation was the comparison with Dinamo. Graf said that the financial difference is a "complete chasm" and that this gap cannot be closed in the near future. As an example, he noted that Dinamo has spent over 45 million euros on transfers in the last five seasons, while Hajduk has spent approximately four million euros in the same period. He also believes that everything will depend on how Hajduk fares on the European stage and whether they finally manage to qualify for the group stages of European competitions to be somewhat competitive with Dinamo.

Before the two-legged tie with Raków, Graf said the odds are 50-50, that he is a "moderate optimist," and that he no longer wants to look at history. Hajduk has a big opportunity to enter the group stages of a European competition for the first time in 15 years. "We must build the future. We have a great opportunity and we must seize it," he said.

The match against Raków also has a personal dimension for Graf, as it is his former club, where he still has friends. "It's nice to meet Raków again, but one side will surely suffer after this tie. Still, I hope it won't be us again, as has happened throughout history," he said.

He also admitted that elimination by Raków would be a "big problem," which further emphasizes the importance of qualifying for the group stages of a European competition for the financial and sporting recovery of the club.

Graf arrived at Poljud four months ago, and the hiring process lasted more than a month. He stated that Hajduk first contacted him over two years ago, but no agreement was reached at that time. He also described how the agreement came about now: "Now I found myself on their shortlist again. The hiring process was quite long, lasting more than a month. We had several meetings in different European cities, and in the end, such a decision was made. How I ended up on that list is hard for me to say. I assume through recommendations."