Hajduk's harmonious play without Livaja, but fans choose sides and boo the coach

Hajduk Split carries a two-goal advantage into their Europa League qualifier second leg against Slovakian side Zilina, following a performance that suggests coach Gonzalo Garcia is finally molding the team to his preferences.

The Croatian club traveled to Žilina via Vienna and then a bus, as the local airport cannot accommodate charter flights. Notably absent from the squad were Niko Sigur, Fran Karačić, and Mihael Žaper. While Karačić and Žaper have not been key players for Garcia, Sigur's absence is particularly significant. He was expected to rejoin the team after playing for Canada in the World Cup but did not return to training or travel with the squad, leading to widespread speculation that the versatile defender and midfielder is on the verge of leaving Hajduk.

Fans were buoyed by Hajduk's display in the first leg, where they secured a 2-0 victory. The team played with cohesion and energy, creating numerous scoring opportunities, particularly from the wings where Roko Brajković and Dario Melnjak consistently threatened. Offensive players Michele Šego and Dalisson also contributed, with Dalisson scoring his debut goal. However, despite the high number of chances created, Hajduk's finishing was inconsistent, a point underscored by Šego's missed opportunities.

The issue of finishing directly brings captain Marko Livaja into the conversation. Although he only played a few minutes at the end of the first match, his presence is a major talking point for Hajduk during this pre-season period. Livaja has reportedly faced several issues with the club, and his role in improving the team's clinical edge remains a key question as the season progresses.