In the latest round of the HNL, Hajduk Split secured a decisive 2-0 victory over Slaven Belupo, narrowing the gap to league leaders Dinamo Zagreb to just four points. Key players Rokas Pukštas and Roko Brajković scored in the early minutes of the match, marking a significant win for Hajduk, who are seeking to reclaim their position in the league standings. Captain Marko Livaja, who has been sidelined for a portion of the season due to injury and stiff competition from teammate Michele Šego, returned to the starting lineup following Šego's injury.

Livaja played 77 minutes of the match but showed visible signs of frustration after being substituted for Anthony Kalik, greeting coach Gonzalo Garcia with only a cold handshake and reportedly hitting the plexiglass near the bench as he left the field. This reaction raises questions about Livaja's current mental state and his relationship with the coaching staff, especially since he has had a challenging season with only four goals and three assists in 17 appearances. The incident highlights the pressures that players face, especially those who are trying to regain form.

As Hajduk prepares for bigger challenges ahead, including the upcoming World Cup, the management may need to address Livaja's role and attitude within the squad. Potentially fielding one of the oldest teams in the tournament, maintaining team morale and cohesion will be crucial for their performance. The media coverage surrounding Livaja's reactions may add to the narrative of his struggles this season, further underlining the delicate balance between individual performance and team dynamics in professional football.