Garcia: We need a player who can dictate the tempo of the game
Hajduk's manager previews the first home match of the season against Istra, reflects on the defeat in Varaždin, squad changes, and criticism of the defense.
Hajduk's manager previews the first home match of the season against Istra, reflects on the defeat in Varaždin, squad changes, and criticism of the defense.
Hajduk manager Gonzalo Garcia said ahead of Sunday's match against Istra that he has no regrets about the departures of Filip Krovinović and Hugo Almeida, emphasizing that the team needs more intensity, speed, and running. The first home match in the SuperSport HNL at Poljud is scheduled for 9 PM, and the Whites are seeking their first win after a 2:1 defeat to Varaždin in the opening round.
When asked by journalists whether he regrets that two experienced midfielders left the club, Garcia was clear. "We are looking for such players on the market. We have Niko Sigur who can play that role, but I don't regret letting them go. There are several reasons why we decided that some players had to leave. I think we need to be a team with more intensity, speed, and running," the manager said.
He specifically commented on rumors about the possible arrival of Lindon Selahi, a former Twente player whom he knows well. "We need such a player; he must be defensively strong and able to dictate the tempo of the match. That's when we are at our best. I know Lindon; he played under me at Twente, but as far as I know, the club is not in contact with him. But yes, we need a player with those characteristics," Garcia said.
Garcia revealed that Alec Hoorenbeck is not injured, although he came off against Žalgiris. "We took Alec off as a precaution, but everything is fine. He's not injured; he just felt some discomfort. I know the players are tired. We had a very tough week with a lot of traveling; it killed us. I didn't want some players who are on the edge to accumulate extra fatigue," he explained.
Regarding young Skelin, who did not travel for the match, Garcia believes he needs a change of environment. "Skelin has a great future at this club, but I think he needs continuity. I wanted to give him that here last season, but I couldn't due to injuries. Now I think he needs to change his surroundings because he fluctuates a lot and deals with great pressure. He needs a place where he can gain routine, and then next season he could be a new player ready to be a Hajduk player," he added.
The situation is similar with Noa Skoko, though not identical. "Noa has been here for two or three years; he has to show what he can do. Last season he had opportunities and didn't take them; now he will get a chance elsewhere," Garcia said.
Hajduk's manager dismissed speculation about a poor atmosphere in the dressing room, stressing that the main problem was physical fatigue caused by a congested schedule. "These stories about the atmosphere and the state of the dressing room are strange. Our biggest problem was that we had a lot of away matches in a row, and the traveling exhausted us. I was tired, and I only travel with the team; I don't train or play. That destroyed us. It's bad when you have 72 hours between matches and you spend 20 hours on the road. Now everything is fine; the players are well and have recovered physically," he emphasized.
Asked about the change from a 3-2-5 to a 4-3-3 formation during the last match, Garcia stressed that there won't be frequent oscillations. "No, we won't. Every match is special, and we prepare each one according to what we think is best for it. I think we were good with three at the back, but we had matches where we had problems with that formation as well. It's important that the players on the pitch feel what is best for them," he said.
He also addressed criticism that the center-backs are good in possession but weaker in defensive duties. "I think we have good players, but it's true that those criticisms are somewhat valid. It's not easy for them either; the situation is a bit more complex than it seems. It's also important where the team loses the ball before the opponent goes into transition; it's not all up to the center-backs. I'm happy with the players I have, but we are in the market and working," he concluded.
Garcia spoke highly of Sunday's opponent. "They were unlucky in their first match. I watched Istra mostly on the plane, and I watched a bit before as well; I really like what they are doing. They play much better than they used to. They are more compact than before. With and without the ball, they are better; they have a clear idea of how they want to play. I like what they are doing. I enjoyed watching their matches," he said, adding that they have brought in some very good players and will have a good season if luck is on their side.
