Hajduk is ready for the new season, but due to pitch works at Gorica stadium, which is being replaced for the first time in 38 years, they will have to open the season with three home games at Poljud! Yes, you read that right – three consecutive home games right at the start! Gorica was forced to change the venue of their home matches due to the pitch renovation, which will begin after the match against the Football Union team. Hajduk will open the season on August 2nd against Istra, then host Gorica and Slaven Belupo, while their first away game will be only at the end of August against Osijek. But it’s not all good news for Hajduk – Marko Livaja will miss the first two games due to a two-match suspension he received for showing the middle finger to Rijeka fans and a red card in the last round of the previous season. Hajduk has shown good form in preparations, with wins against CSKA Sofia and Radomlje, and Michele Šego has already shown he can be an important player. Coach Gonzalo Garcia believes in his team but will have to cope with Livaja’s absence at the start. Gorica, on the other hand, will play their first match on the new pitch in the fourth round against newly promoted Vukovar. This situation with the pitch works and change of home venues will surely affect the course of the season, and Hajduk fans will have to get used to starting the season with three home games at Poljud. Will this be an advantage or a burden for the Split club? Only time will tell. What do you think about this chaos with home venues? Is it a chance for Hajduk or a problem? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s for and who’s against!
