Hajduk coach reveals travel fatigue is team's biggest problem

Hajduk Split coach Gonzalo Garcia has pinpointed the team's extensive travel schedule as the primary obstacle to their performance this season. Following three consecutive away matches in Cyprus, Varaždin, and Vilnius within a ten-day span, Garcia revealed the toll it has taken on his squad.

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The biggest problem for us was having many away games in a row, and the travel exhausted us.

"The biggest problem for us was having many away games in a row, and the travel exhausted us," Garcia stated at a press conference. "I was tired, and I only travel with the team, I don't train or play. It destroyed us. It's bad when you have 72 hours between games and spend 20 hours traveling."

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I was tired, and I only travel with the team, I don't train or play. It destroyed us. It's bad when you have 72 hours between games and spend 20 hours traveling.

Despite the challenges, Garcia confirmed that the players have recovered physically and are ready for their upcoming match. Hajduk is set to play their first home game of the new season against Istra 1961 at Poljud stadium, seeking their inaugural victory.

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Each game is special and we prepare each one according to what we think is best for it. I think we were good with three at the back, but we had games in which we also had problems in that formation.

Garcia also addressed the team's tactical approach, noting that while they have performed well with a three-defender formation, they have also encountered issues. He emphasized the importance of players understanding what works best on the field. Regarding player departures, including Filip Krovinović and Hugo Guillamón, Garcia stated the club is seeking similar players but does not regret letting them go, citing the need for a team with more intensity, speed, and drive. He also mentioned that young player Noa Skoko has been loaned out to gain experience.

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We are looking for such players on the market. We have Niko Šigir who can play there, but I don't regret letting them go. There are more reasons why we decided that some players must leave. I think we have to be a team with more intensity, speed, and running.