García Previews Pafos Clash, Remains Enigmatic on Livaja's Starting Role

Hajduk Split coach Gonzalo García expects a demanding Europa League qualifier against Pafos FC on Thursday. He described the Cypriot opponent as a quality and experienced side capable of punishing any mistakes. "They have a team that has coped well with opponents in the Champions League. They are strong, but we also expect a good performance," García stated. He emphasized Hajduk's desire to compete and showcase their quality.

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They have a team that has coped well with opponents in the Champions League. They are strong, but we also expect a good performance. We want to compete with them, show our quality and allow them to force us to our best performance.

The status of star player Marko Livaja was a key topic. García declined to reveal if Livaja would start, instead saying the player is "trying to find his way into the starting lineup, and I like that." He stressed the need for Livaja's motivation and energy, stating, "We need the best Livaja. We'll see if he plays tomorrow."

García also lauded Pafos's experienced defender David Luiz, a former star for Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Brazilian national team. "He is a top player. He has played for the biggest clubs and the Brazilian national team," García said. "He is 39 years old, but he plays and wants to play like he's 15. Believe me, he is motivated a thousand percent."

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Livaja is trying to find his way into the starting lineup, and I like that. We need his motivation and energy because we need the best Livaja. We'll see if he plays tomorrow.

Reflecting on Hajduk's past European experiences, García avoided labeling his team as favorites. "We can't say we were favorites. They are more experienced, and we have to be a team and attack," he noted. He believes the tie will be decided over two legs, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on the home advantage at Poljud stadium. "We will go to Cyprus for qualification," he added.

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He is a top player. He has played for the biggest clubs and the Brazilian national team, and Brazil is the biggest football country in the world. He has everything he needs to play at that level. He is 39 years old, but he plays and wants to play like he's 15. Believe me, he is motivated a thousand percent. You will see that tomorrow.

Hajduk captain Dario Melnjak echoed the positive atmosphere, stating the team aims to take another European step after eliminating Tobol. "The atmosphere is good, but it always seems that way to me," Melnjak said. "We passed Tobol and our goal is to continue. Pafos is a different team and has a different style. History has taught us that everything depends on us and that we have to be ourselves."

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I don't think we were favorites. In the past, we lost to Žilina and Ružomberok, so we can't say we were favorites. They are more experienced, and we have to be a team and attack. We have a chance to win, but if we are not a team, we will have no chance.