Gattuso’s Final Appearance at Poljud Against Đalović
Genaro’s time at Poljud has ended, Photo: Shutterstock
Gennaro Gattuso will take charge of Hajduk for the final time this Sunday during a match at Poljud. The derby against Rijeka will serve as his farewell to the Split audience, with the last round match in Šibenik marking his departure from the coaching role.
The Italian coach has an active contract for another year, but he has confirmed to Index that he will not fulfill it and will exit the club without severance pay.
Gattuso made the decision to exit long ago, following a 1-0 victory in Koprivnica during the 28th round of the SuperSport HNL. At that time, Hajduk was in a significantly better position compared to now, as they cling to a distant hope for the title from their current third place in the standings.
Will the title hope vanish tomorrow?
If Dinamo manages to secure a win against Lokomotiva at Maksimir, Hajduk’s title aspirations will evaporate, extending their championship wait for another year. Their last title came in the 2004/2005 season.
Gattuso’s departure will be without compensation and will be a mutually agreed termination of his contract. This season, he has led Hajduk in 41 matches, achieving 18 wins, 14 draws, and nine losses, with no titles earned.
“I might be repeating myself, but I came to this beautiful city with a smile, and I will leave with a smile as well. These 11 months have been unforgettable, filled with both challenges and joys. Leaving will be tough for me because I’ve met people who have profoundly changed my life,” Gattuso expressed at a press conference following a 1-1 draw with Gorica, a match that left Hajduk’s title possibilities hanging by a thread.
Radomir Đalović’s Rijeka currently leads with 62 points, followed closely by Dinamo, just one point behind, while Hajduk sits five points off the pace.
“I’ve never encountered a club managed like this anywhere in Europe. For months, I struggled to find someone to consult about issues… Nonetheless, the fans are incredible, and it’s their passion that makes Hajduk a great club. Parents bring their children as young as two, and the warmth of the support is what truly elevates Hajduk,” he reflected.
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