Hajduk Split will host Istra 1961 in the second round of the SuperSport HNL on Sunday, following their 5-2 victory over Žalgiris Kaunas in Vilnius. The match will take place at Poljud Stadium, marking a crucial test for coach Gonzalo García’s squad, which has started its domestic season with a 2-1 defeat to Varazdin. García emphasized the importance of adapting strategies for each game, stating that while they performed well with three players behind, there were challenges in maintaining consistency due to frequent travel and lack of continuity. García acknowledged the physical toll on his players, noting that the team had been traveling extensively and that he himself had been exhausted from constant movement rather than training or playing. He highlighted the difficulty of having just 72 hours between matches, with 20 of those spent on the road. This fatigue, he explained, had significantly impacted the team's performance. The coach also discussed the situation of young players, particularly Marin Skelin and Noe Skoke. Skelin, he noted, has great potential but requires stability and continuity, which he was unable to provide last season due to injuries. Skelin’s inconsistency and pressure have affected his performance, and García believes a change of environment might help him develop further. Similarly, Noe Skoke, who has been with the club for two to three years, must prove his worth. Despite opportunities in previous seasons, Skoke has not capitalized on them, and García expects him to find his path elsewhere. García expressed no regret over the departures of players such as Filip Krovinović and Hugo, citing the need for greater intensity, speed, and urgency in the team. He stressed that these changes were necessary to build a more competitive squad. Regarding new signings, he praised the contributions of players like Šotić and Bamba, highlighting their ability to adapt quickly and bring fresh energy to the team. However, he admitted that some players, like Van Horenbeeck, had issues with muscle problems during the match, though he did not consider it a serious injury. When asked about potential reinforcements, especially in the midfield and defense, García mentioned Lindon Selahi as someone he knows from his time at Twente. While he was aware of Selahi’s skills, he indicated that the club was not currently in contact with him. Instead, García stated that the team was actively seeking options to strengthen both positions, acknowledging that the current defenders were performing well but needed additional support. Looking ahead to the upcoming match against Istra 1961, García expressed admiration for the club’s progress. Having watched their games during flights, he noted that Istra has improved significantly, playing more compact and structured football. Their approach with and without the ball has become clearer, and he expects them to have a successful season if they can maintain their momentum and receive more luck.
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