Former Rijeka coach Radomir Đalović has delivered sharp criticism of Hajduk Split's head coach Gonzalo Garcia, pointing out the team's consistent failures in major derby matches. Đalović, commenting on Sport Klub about Hajduk's recent 3-0 defeat to Rijeka, reminded that the Split club hasn't scored a goal at Rujevica stadium in nearly four years, dating back to the time of defender Chidozie Awaziem.

"I miss Hajduk in those serious matches. Since Garcia became coach, both Rijeka and Dinamo have been beating him in derbies," said Đalović. The Montenegrin tactician, who has been without a job since leaving Turkish side Kayserispor in February, believes Rijeka's coach Igor Kek delivered a phenomenal tactical performance in a match that resembled their 5-0 victory from the past.

The statistics are unforgiving. Hajduk currently sits second in the HNL table with 16 points from eight games, but results against direct title rivals could prove decisive. Following the loss to Rijeka, the next challenge comes on October 10th when league leaders Dinamo Zagreb visit Poljud. The last meeting between the two sides, in March this year, ended in a 3-1 defeat for Hajduk.

Đalović is convinced that Rijeka, who started the season searching for form, will compete for the title this year alongside Hajduk and Dinamo. "About Kek, there's no need to waste words. Rijeka has serious quality and will fight for the title this year with Hajduk and Dinamo," the former coach emphasised. For Hajduk, finding an answer to this problem before facing Dinamo is key, especially as the team has won four of its last five matches.

Although Hajduk has scored 16 league goals while conceding eight, the lack of efficiency in key matches is becoming a growing concern for supporters. Coach Garcia now has several weeks to prepare his squad for the derby against Dinamo, a match that will be significant for the top of the standings. Hajduk's team, with top scorer Marko Šego who has netted four times, will need to show a different face in what Đalović calls 'serious matches'.

First reported at 24sata Sport