Former Hajduk players analyze the alarming defensive problems of the Poljud side after just one point from the first two rounds and another series of late goals conceded in stoppage time on the show Studio SuperSport HNL.
After securing only one point from the first two rounds of the new season, Hajduk faces serious questions about the stability of its defense. The 2:1 loss to Varaždin and the 2:2 home draw against Istra at Poljud have brought a new wave of frustration and deepened a worrying pattern. In five of their last six matches, the Whites have conceded at least two goals.
On the show Studio SuperSport HNL, former Hajduk players Hrvoje Vejić and Gordon Schildenfeld dissected the defensive problems of the Split side. Vejić particularly emphasized that this is no longer about isolated errors but a recurring pattern from match to match, with special focus on goals conceded in the dying minutes of games.
"Hajduk cannot afford to concede goals like these; we now have a pattern. Žilina scored in the last minute, Pafos did the same, against Varaždin they missed a penalty, and now again a goal conceded in the 90th minute. Insecurity and fear have crept in. The two center-backs, no matter who they are, have to clear these situations," Vejić said.
The former Hajduk captain does not believe that the blame for the poor results can be placed solely on coach Gattuso. He stressed that the key lies in the character of the players on the pitch and their ability to win crucial duels. "It doesn't matter who the coach is; the players have to show character. You can lose ten duels, but you have to win the decisive one. I agree with coach Gattuso that Hajduk is conceding silly goals, but the question is why it keeps happening," Vejić added.
On the other hand, Gordon Schildenfeld saw some positive elements in the Whites' play. He believes that the team had a clear idea and good organization against Istra but lacked a bit of luck and finishing. "Hajduk's play was well organized. They had a plan and a program, and they scored from a set piece. Hajduk was organized and had a clear plan, but they lacked a bit of luck. They deserved to win, but Istra played a solid game and used counterattacks," Schildenfeld said.
However, the former Croatian international also noticed a specific tactical flaw in Hajduk's defensive play. In his opinion, the key issue lies in the defensive line dropping too early, which creates dangerous space between the defense and the midfield. "Hajduk's defense drops too early, leaving space between the midfield and the defense, and Istra exploited that brilliantly. Hajduk needs to play more bravely, take more risks, and the center-backs need to stay closer to the opposition's forwards," Schildenfeld concluded.
