For Hajduk, Strengthening the Defense Comes First
After the Whites conceded 12 goals and squandered a win in stoppage time, analysis shows that no changes on the bench or in management will help until the leaky back line is patched up.
After the Whites conceded 12 goals and squandered a win in stoppage time, analysis shows that no changes on the bench or in management will help until the leaky back line is patched up.
The question that has arisen after Hajduk Split's latest slip-up is: is Zvonimir Šarlija a better center-back than Alec Van Hoorenbeeck? The answer to that question became crucial after Istra 1961 snatched a 2:2 draw at Poljud on Saturday, with both of the visitors' goals coming as a direct result of errors in the Whites' back line. Dukan Ahmeti's goal in the 90+5th minute brought fresh frustration and extended the run of defensive blunders.
Sporting director Robert Graf is trying to build a new, cheaper, more dynamic, and faster team. In that context, bringing in Marin Šotiček seems like a good move, although he didn't impress against Istra. However, the focus is on Van Hoorenbeeck, the Belgian whom many have already dubbed a "horror defender." His mistakes in Cyprus, Varaždin, and now against Istra are no coincidence. Either he hasn't adapted, or he simply can't do better.
Coach Gonzalo Garcia could be sacked immediately-it's not a problem if there's money for the compensation. President Ivan Bilić could also leave after the stands echoed with "Management, resign!" for the first time in 15 years, dating back to the era of Ćiro Blažević and the loss to Debrecen. But all of that is in vain if Hajduk's defense continues to function this way. Garcia downplayed the issue, saying it's about a collective approach to defending, but individual, costly errors are no longer the exception and are taking a heavy toll.
It's no coincidence that Hajduk has conceded as many as 12 goals so far: two from Žilina, four from Pafos (admittedly, two in regular time and two in extra time), and two each from Varaždin, Žalgiris, and now Istra. The team can't count on a single goal being enough for a win when the defense is like a "sieve," as they say in Dalmatia. On top of that, Hajduk is also plagued by misfortune in the final minutes: the goal in Cyprus that sent the match to extra time and elimination, Marko Livaja's missed penalty in Varaždin, and now Ahmeti's goal in stoppage time.
Hajduk is still a work in progress. More than a change of coach or president, the club would benefit from strengthening the defense, perhaps bringing in two better center-backs to raise the competition. There is hope that the Belgian will come around, given the intense match rhythm that continues. Hajduk is still active in Europe, has a coach pushing his idea, whatever it may be, and a sporting director who has rolled up his sleeves and is bringing in players. The Whites face the Conference League playoff round, and although they might not be favorites there, they can grab their chance. However, after conceding a goal like that, it's enough to make you see red. Still, the most important thing is to strengthen the defense first.
