Garcia Desperate Over Schedule: 20 Hours on the Road in 72 Hours
Hajduk's coach announced the first home match of the season against Istra and spoke about fatigue issues, player departures, and potential reinforcements.
Hajduk's coach announced the first home match of the season against Istra and spoke about fatigue issues, player departures, and potential reinforcements.
Hajduk's footballers welcome Istra at Poljud on Sunday at 9 PM in the second round of the SHNL, in their first home match of the season. Coach Gonzalo Garcia did not hide his frustration at today's press conference over the grueling pace that has exhausted his team at the start.
After a 2:1 away defeat to Varaždin, the Split club is seeking their first league win, but Garcia made it clear that the travel has taken its toll.
"It's bad when you have 72 hours between matches and you spend 20 hours on the road," Garcia told Index.hr. "I was tired, and I only travel with the team; I don't train or play. It destroyed us."
Garcia clarified the situation with two players who were absent. Alec Hoorenbeck was pulled out against Žalgiris as a precaution. "He's not injured; he just felt discomfort. The players are tired, and I didn't want those on the edge to accumulate extra fatigue," he said.
For Skelin, however, he plans a different path. "Skelin has a great future at this club, but he needs continuity. Last season, I wanted to give it to him, but it didn't work out due to injuries. Now he has to change his environment because he fluctuates a lot and deals with great pressure. He needs a place where he can gain routine," Garcia explained, adding that by next season he could be "a new player ready to be a player for Hajduk."
The situation is similar with Noa Skoko, for whom he also predicts a departure. "It's similar, but not the same. 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'll get a chance elsewhere," Garcia said.
Asked whether he regrets letting Hugo and Krovinović leave, Hajduk's coach was clear. "I don't regret letting them go. There are more reasons why some players had to leave. We need to be a team with more intensity, speed, and running," he emphasized, adding that Niko Sigur can cover that position, but the club is actively seeking reinforcements.
One of the names mentioned was Lindon Selahi, a former Twente player. "We need such a player, defensively strong and able to dictate the tempo. That's when we're 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," Garcia revealed.
Garcia also commented on the formation change from 3-2-5 to 4-3-3 in the last match, but emphasized that there won't be constant rotation. "Every match is special. It's important that players on the pitch feel what's best for them," he said.
Responding to criticism that the center-backs are good in possession but weaker in defense, he replied: "Those criticisms are somewhat valid, but the situation is more complex. It's also important where the team loses the ball before the transition; it's not all up to the center-backs. I'm happy with the players I have, but we're in the market and working."
Garcia praised Sunday's opponent. "I watched Istra mostly on the plane. I really like what they're doing. They play much better than before; they're more compact and have a clear idea. I enjoyed watching their matches," he concluded.
The match Hajduk - Istra takes place on Sunday at 9 PM at Poljud, and the Split club hopes for their first win in the new SHNL season.
