Gattuso: ‘After the defeat of Rijeka in Koprivnica, I called Liva.’ Rakitic: ‘I love Kovacevic’

After the exclusion and the naked team withdrew, why?

– In my opinion we did not withdraw, the rocket I scored the second goal very soon after that. This is said in tennis that the hand was « shortened », which is normal. Sibenik defended himself with eight, nine players and we had to attack better without the ball, we started with long balls and that’s always a risk. It may be a little worse, but it’s good too – Hajduk coach began.

Rusin played well, Livaja ran great, he was full of terrain, he assisted for the action he fell naked …?

– After the defeat of Rijeka in Koprivnica, I called Mark Liva and told him that we needed his quality, as he was, who is no more than an example to the players. Marko is a champion, one of the best players he still showed today. He and the rockets have had big careers and have to be an example with his game and behavior, I hope he will continue until the end of the championship like this. We put Rusina for a reason, he is another striker, Marko can go down the ball, play with him, not everything focused on him.

How satisfied are you with the offensive creation, many times have you entered the penalty area with the ball, certainly more than in previous matches?

– Sibenik is waiting for you, they attacked us with two outstretched strikers, later closed. We were good at 25 meters but we weren’t in the end. In the end, I’m pleased.

How satisfied are you with Rok Brajkovic?

– He is an interesting player, so I give him a minute. He was born in Split, he is a Hajduk fan, this jersey means to him, he had the opportunity to go, but he decided to stay. Bamba and Durdov were with the national team and they returned late, I gave him the opportunity because he deserved in training, he played well, when Igtra without pressure and fear then he was good … – Hajduk coach concluded after the game.

Ivan Rakitic A free kick goal brought Hajduk win against Sibenik (1-0). From Šibenik to Šibenik.

– I hope I won’t have to wait a long time again. It was important to win. I think we had total control. It was not our best match, but we had control. It was a matter of time when a goal would fall. We had 10-12 corners. It was always close. A very important victory, we are the first, the last part begins. If someone had told us this before the start of the season, everyone would sign it. We have to be happy. Let’s take a good rest and prepare for a tough match that awaits us next weekend – said Rakitic, and when asked about the canceled goal, he answered:

– It doesn’t matter, that’s how the judge decided. Too bad, today I watched me and the goals duration when I scored two Real, with Seville away. When he was second, we laughed, but he was eventually canceled.

There was no nervousness even at 1: 0?

– We midfielders are looking for one dog many times, sometimes wrong. Our goal is to go up, that’s clear. We waited for the opportunity. It was a matter of time when a goal would fall. Too bad he fell late if we had scored before it would be easier. The feeling we had on the field was good, without danger and fear. With a little more confidence, we could have scored a second goal to close the game – said Rakitic, discovering how physically he felt …

– I had to take a break, to keep an eye on, I prepare well. The season is long, I had a little harder period, but it is important that I came back. A freelance goal will come in handy for my confidence. I waited for a long time that goal. This will help me and the whole team. Thanks to the audience, it was fantastic. This is a festival for Hajduk and Croatian football.

The following is a guest appearance in Koprivnica …

– I love their coach. All matches are difficult. The league made a lot of progress. It is no coincidence that the lags on the table are small. Little details decide. It’s interesting, combat. Slaven has an important game on Wednesday, but that’s their thing. We know that a tough match awaits us, but we are going to go back with three points – Rakitic concluded.