Dinamo wanted him, he signed for Hajduk and said: 'The atmosphere at Poljud is the best in Croatia'

Marin Šotiček, once a highly sought-after talent by Dinamo Zagreb, has landed at rival club Hajduk Split on a year-long loan from Swiss side Basel. Two years ago, Dinamo had reportedly agreed terms with Lokomotiva Zagreb for Šotiček, but the player himself opted for a move to Basel for three million euros. During his two seasons in Switzerland, he scored seven goals in 70 appearances.

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We knew the second game would be tough. We had problems at the start, but later everything fell into place and we deservedly won. When we scored the first goal, the game opened up and everything went in our favor.

Now with Hajduk, Šotiček is still awaiting his first goal for the club. However, his speed and dribbling skills suggest he could become a valuable asset. He has already contributed to Hajduk's progression to the Conference League playoff round, playing in both legs of their third qualifying round tie against Žalgiris, which Hajduk won convincingly.

Following Hajduk's recent dominant victory at Poljud Stadium, Šotiček shared his thoughts on the match and the team's prospects. "We knew the second game would be tough. We had problems at the start, but later everything fell into place and we deservedly won," he stated. He added that once the first goal was scored, the game opened up and favored Hajduk.

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Of course. Our focus is now on Gorica. After Gorica, the focus goes to Raków.

Looking ahead, Šotiček is confident about facing upcoming opponents. "Of course. Our focus is now on Gorica. After Gorica, the focus goes to Raków," he said, acknowledging that the matches against Raków will be significantly more challenging. He believes Hajduk can advance in the Conference League but stressed the need for maximum effort.

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Of course, we can, but it will be much tougher matches against Raków. We need to be at our maximum.

When asked about the team's inconsistency, Šotiček cited extensive travel due to numerous away games but emphasized it's not an excuse. "I think it will start going better now," he remarked. He reserved special praise for the home crowd, describing the atmosphere at Poljud as "excellent" and "the best in Croatia."

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We have many away games, many trips, but that is not an excuse. I think it will start going better now.