Hajduk Fans Boo Coach Garcia Again Amid Livaja Controversy

Coach Gonzalo Garcia faced audible disapproval from a segment of Hajduk Split supporters during the team's introduction for their league match against Istra. As the announcer read out the coach's name at the Poljud stadium, boos were clearly heard from the stands, continuing a pattern of negative reception for the manager.

This is not an isolated incident for Garcia. Similar reactions were noted prior to Hajduk's European fixture against Zilina in early July, and again before the match against Pafos. The underlying cause for this dissatisfaction among a portion of the fanbase appears to stem from the coach's management of team captain Marko Livaja.

Livaja was involved in a disciplinary incident in late June, reportedly leading to a conflict with Garcia, which caused him to leave the team's training camp in Slovenia. Although Hajduk clarified that the suspension was limited to the preparatory period and Livaja rejoined the first team upon returning to Split, his status remains a focal point of attention. For the match against Istra, Livaja began on the bench, with Garcia opting to field Šego in attack, supported by Bambu, Pukštas, and Šotiček.

Garcia has previously acknowledged the negative reactions from some fans, stating he understands he lacks their support. However, he maintains that his decisions are based on what he believes is best for the team, rather than public opinion. Hajduk entered the match against Istra with one league defeat, having lost 2-1 to Varaždin on the opening day of the season. They had, however, shown a stronger performance days later, defeating Žalgiris 5-2 in Vilnius in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Conference League.