Nail Omerović, NK Osijek player, stated after a 4-0 defeat to HNK Hajduk Split at Poljud that the red card changed the balance of power on the field. In the match, Osijek lost 4-0, and Omerović highlighted that they were equal opponents before the dismissal.
The Red Card Changed the Game
Omerović immediately acknowledged that the red card completely altered the dynamics of the match. "We were in a good run. The red card hindered us and the game went to the other side," he said. According to his words, before the dismissal, Osijek was on par with Hajduk and had realistic chances to equalize. "We tried to score in the second part, but they had freshness and we couldn't," he added.
Osijek had won three games at the start of the season and after four rounds has nine points. Omerović stressed that such a result would have been acceptable even before the season began, but the red card "directed the game."
Omerović on Hajduk's Attackers
When asked if Osijek had underestimated Hajduk, Omerović gave a clear answer. "We cannot underestimate Hajduk. We went to play a good game and did not look at their lineup. People have Livaja in attack," he said. He also mentioned the coach - Gonzalo Garcia changed most of the starting lineup, further complicating the situation.
Omerović also admitted that he could have handled the situation better in the first half. "I could have done better in that situation," he admitted and repeated that the dismissal directed the game.
Additionally, he commented on Hajduk's comeback against Rakow in Poland, expressing hope that the Croatian club will progress further. "We hope the Croatian club will go further," he said.
Next Challenge
After the defeat, Osijek returns to the pitch for the fifth round of the Super League, where they will face Slaven Belupo. Omerović indicated that the team will continue to work on improvement and hopes that the next match will bring better results.
