Garcia: “The last few days were chaotic, but I am very pleased with the signings”

Hajduk Split arrive at Rudeš in strong form, but coach Gonzalo Garcia says his side must still complete the job and take three points.

“Rudeš are growing, and they need time after coming up from the second division to become the best they can be,” Garcia said. He noted that Rudeš had beaten Lokomotiva and warned that the match would not be easy.

Garcia said Hajduk have good energy and are in a strong psychological moment. The club added Carlos Martin, Khalil Fayad and Leander Dendoncker in the final days of the transfer window. “The last day was a little chaotic,” he said, explaining that the new players were expected to strengthen a squad that had also lost players late in the window.

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The last day was a little chaotic.

Martin can play in several attacking positions, Fayad is a midfielder who is strong on the ball, and Dendoncker brings extensive experience. Garcia said Martin was ready, Fayad was training with the team but lacked match fitness, and Dendoncker would need more time while completing his recovery.

Rudeš coach Alen Peternac said Hajduk deserved maximum respect after three consecutive wins, but urged his players to focus on their own performance. Rudeš have won once and lost four times in their first five matches. Hajduk have beaten them in 10 of their 12 HNL meetings, while Rudeš’s last victory came in May 2018.

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Hajduk are a quality team coming after three consecutive wins, and they certainly deserve maximum respect.