Balić on Hajduk: Gorica Will Be the Biggest Problem
Regular guest of the 'U rašlje' podcast analyzed the Whites' lackluster domestic performance after their European victory and warned of the danger lurking in the next round.
Regular guest of the 'U rašlje' podcast analyzed the Whites' lackluster domestic performance after their European victory and warned of the danger lurking in the next round.
After Hajduk secured a convincing three-goal victory in Europe, a cold shower followed in the domestic league. Istra 1961 troubled the Whites in Split until the very last second, and Vladimir Balić, a regular guest on the 'U rašlje' podcast and a Hajduk loyalist, did not hide his impression in the 18th episode that the home dominance was merely an illusion.
Balić is clear: Istra's coach outsmarted Garcia. "Istra's coach outsmarted Garcia, that is, he recognized what Hajduk would play and tried to stop it," Balić said on the 'U rašlje' podcast. He adds that set pieces were the key moment in which Hajduk gained the advantage, but open play did not provide real solutions.
"It's normal that when you come to Split to play against Hajduk, you'll let Hajduk weave their game and make it look good to the eye, but in the end, Hajduk lacked a fine Dean Računica who could slip a ball through," Balić analyzed. He believes that Istra deliberately conceded possession, creating the illusion of dominance for the Whites, but no one could break through the guests' dense defense with a precise, specific pass.
Despite the concern, Balić believes that the three-goal cushion from the first leg will be enough to advance in the European competition. "It will certainly be enough, but we must not fool ourselves," he warns. He also praised individuals, especially highlighting Šotiček, who "tied the opposing full-back in knots."
"They also had a few chances of their own, despite their midfield line being catastrophic," Balić added. His message is clear: in the return leg, they must start attacking immediately, score early, and put the opponent in their place.
When it comes to the domestic league, Balić did not mince words in singling out the next obstacle. "I think our biggest problem will be Gorica in Gorica," he stated. He has special respect for their coach, Mario Carević, whom he believes will tactically set a trap despite a more modest squad.
"Mario Carević, I hope in the preview he'll say they have much worse players than us. They have a very good coach, and Carević will try to catch us somehow to win that match, because he desperately needs it," Balić concluded, clearly signaling that Hajduk must not underestimate the team from Velika Gorica.
