Hajduk coach Garcia: Players are stronger than you think, Osijek is a confident team

Hajduk Split coach Gonzalo Garcia emphasized the resilience and strong mentality of his players, stating they are "smarter and stronger than you think." Despite a demanding schedule and recent fatigue, Garcia assured that the team's confidence remains high, particularly within the locker room.

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Confidence is always high. The locker room has a different mentality than what is outside. The guys are stronger than that. They believe in themselves and know what they are doing.

Looking ahead to the match against Osijek, Garcia confirmed that Marko Livaja would start. He also hinted at potential player rotation, acknowledging the team's heavy workload and the importance of an upcoming European fixture. "We probably will rotate and rest some players. We've had many games recently, and an important match awaits us on Thursday," Garcia explained, balancing the need for fresh legs with the intensity of their current run of games.

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We probably will rotate and rest some players. We've had many games recently, and an important match awaits us on Thursday.

Garcia also provided an update on the squad's fitness, noting the absence of Acapandie and Brajković due to long-term injuries. Mathieu is also facing a new injury, making his participation against Osijek unlikely. The coach expressed a desire for a fairer situation regarding player criticism, specifically mentioning Bamba, who he feels is unfairly targeted. "Some people just wait for his bad touch with the ball to attack him. That doesn't help him because he is sensitive," Garcia said, contrasting this with Bamba's strong performance when supported by fans.

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Bamba is a different player. He is always under a lot of criticism, which doesn't help him because he is a sensitive character, but he is a great person. Some people just wait for his bad touch with the ball to attack him. That doesn't help him because he is sensitive.

Assessing the upcoming opponent, Garcia acknowledged Osijek's impressive start to the season, securing maximum points from their first three matches. He described them as a "good team with good individuals" who are now playing with more confidence and cohesion. "They are coming full of confidence, and we have to be at our highest level," Garcia stated, recognizing the challenge Osijek presents.

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They are coming full of confidence, and we have to be at our highest level.