He arrived as a big booster for Hajduk, but now Garcia has some bad news for the fans.

Hajduk's new signing Hadžikadunić has arrived as a major reinforcement for the defense, yet manager Gonzalo García has delivered disappointing news to fans ahead of the crucial match against Osijek. The veteran center-back, who joined the club on a free transfer after his contract with Rostov expired, has been integrated into training sessions immediately upon arrival. Despite his extensive international experience and proven track record with clubs such as Malmö, Rostov, Mallorca, HSV, and Sampdoria, García has made it clear that Hadžikadunić is not yet physically prepared to contribute in the team’s upcoming games. Speaking during a media conference before the match against Ruch Chorzów, García admitted that the player is still far from being ready. “Dennis is not yet fit enough,” he stated. “He needs hard work and is not at the required level of physical preparation. We will try to get him ready as soon as possible.” This admission marks the second time in just a few days that García has lowered expectations regarding the Croatian defender’s immediate impact. Ahead of the first match against Ruch, he had already emphasized that Hadžikadunić was still adapting and would require time to settle in. The timing of Hadžikadunić’s arrival has drawn particular attention due to the manner in which he was welcomed at Poljud Stadium. The club signed the 28-year-old on a free transfer following his departure from Rostov, and they have already extended his contract until summer 2028. He chose the number 6 jersey and quickly joined the senior squad for training. His international pedigree, having played for Bosnia and Herzegovina over the years, had raised hopes among fans that he could immediately bolster the team’s defensive options. However, García’s comments suggest that patience will be necessary. The club is entering a demanding phase of the season, with a key match against Osijek scheduled for Sunday at 21:00 local time. In addition, the team faces another critical game against Ruch Chorzów on Thursday at 19:00. García has announced that some players will take a break due to the tight schedule, but Hadžikadunić is not expected to be available for these matches. The coach did not specify when the Croatian defender might make his debut. Despite the setback, Hadžikadunić’s acquisition represents a strategic move for Hajduk. His experience and technical ability should eventually strengthen the backline, especially given the high standards set by the club’s recent signings. However, the immediate impact appears limited, and fans will need to wait for further developments. For now, the focus remains on the upcoming fixtures, with the team relying on its existing squad to navigate the challenging run of games ahead.