German journalist Frank Willmann has highlighted the enduring love of fans for HNK Hajduk Split and the club's unique bond with Dalmatia. In a column published ahead of Jürgen Klopp's debut as Germany coach, Willmann praised Hajduk's historical resilience.
"Hajduk has fallen behind, but still enjoys the lasting love of its fans in Dalmatia." said Willmann.
The journalist explains that the club, like many from Eastern Europe, lives off its rich past. "Hajduk, like all clubs from Eastern Europe, lives off its past because top European football today is dominated by brands that no longer have much to do with the football clubs of the past," he added. He particularly highlighted the historic act of 1944, when all players and almost the entire club staff refused to play in the Italian league under fascists. The team fled to the island of Vis and joined the Yugoslav partisans, becoming their official team that performed across the world.
Willmann's praise comes as Hajduk sits second in the HNL with 16 points from eight games. The team has four wins and one defeat in its last five matches, losing 3-0 to Rijeka on Saturday.
The journalist also recommended the book 'Ich bin Beara' by Boris Dežulović, recently published in German. Hajduk now prepares for the key match against Dinamo, which will be a true test of their form and title ambitions. The current league standings can be seen on the standings page.
First reported at Index.hr Sport
