Garcia ahead of Istra: Šotiček is a winger we don't have
Hajduk's coach announced the league clash with Istra 1961 at Poljud, addressed the team's fatigue after European travels, and commented on potential reinforcements.
Hajduk's coach announced the league clash with Istra 1961 at Poljud, addressed the team's fatigue after European travels, and commented on potential reinforcements.
After a hectic run of away games and a return from Lithuania, Hajduk welcomes Istra 1961 to Poljud on Sunday in the 2nd round of the SuperSport HNL. Coach Gonzalo Garcia spoke at the press conference about the team's condition, young talents, and transfer rumors surrounding Lindon Selahi.
The match at Poljud kicks off at 9 PM, and the Whites enter it with the imperative of securing points after losing 2:1 in Varaždin in the opening round. On Thursday, the team secured a convincing 5:2 victory against Žalgiris in Vilnius in the 3rd qualifying round for the Conference League, bringing a dose of optimism ahead of the home fixture.
Garcia emphasized that the travel schedule has taken a toll on the players. "We arrived at 6-7 in the morning from Pafos, then we went to Varaždin at 3 PM, had training at 5 PM, and played the next day. Even I was tired, let alone them. If you lose 20 hours on the road, it's impossible to prepare well both physically and mentally," said Garcia. He added that the flight to Varaždin was delayed by three hours due to a flat tire at the airport, which further exhausted the team.
The Uruguayan tactician particularly praised the newly arrived winger Šotiček, highlighting his specific qualities. "From the first day, I saw that Šotiček is a winger we don't have; from wingers, we only have Bambu healthy. Šotiček brings us that sharpness, verticality, and one-on-one play," Garcia stated.
He also commented on young Anđelo Šutalo, who is adapting to senior football. "Šutalo was at the Euro, I didn't know him completely, but I knew he had something good. He has that mentality that I like. If he continues like this, he will play," added the Hajduk coach.
Van Hoorenbeeck came off against Žalgiris as a precaution due to tightness in his hamstring. "I took him off as a precaution. It's not an injury, just discomfort," Garcia explained.
Regarding Marin Skelin, the coach believes in his potential but thinks he needs a new environment for continuity. "Skelin has a bright future at Hajduk, but right now he's struggling with the pace of the first team. He's talented, but he needs something completely new and to work every day," said Garcia. He sent a similar message to Noa Skoko: "We gave him opportunities, and he needs to find his own path."
Garcia confirmed that Lindon Selahi contacted him at the start of the transfer window. "I know Lindon from Twente; he called me at the opening of the transfer window to see what the possibilities were, but we need a player with those characteristics," Garcia stated, adding that the club is not in active negotiations with him.
He also stressed that the team remains active in the market. "We want to strengthen in every area of the pitch," said Garcia. When asked about the midfield and the departures of Hugo and Krovinović, he replied: "We're still in the market. We have Sigur who can play that role. No, I don't regret anything."
The Hajduk coach spoke respectfully about Sunday's opponent. "They played well against Lokomotiva, and they can do even better. They have a clear idea and want to be dominant. They have a very good midfield, and I know their left winger as well. I watched them during the preparations and enjoyed it. They brought in a lot of young players and introduced some new ones from their own youth setup. Škafar, for instance, is a very good player," said Garcia.
