Feb 8 • 06:12 UTC 🇭🇷 Croatia Index.hr

Livaja went wild after being substituted. Garcia: Marko was good, but he surely wanted more

Croatian footballer Marko Livaja reacted angrily after being substituted in Hajduk Split's recent 2-0 victory over Slaven Belupo.

Hajduk Split secured their first win of 2026 in the SuperSport HNL with a 2-0 victory against Slaven Belupo at Poljud Stadium. The home team dominated the match, scoring both goals in the first half through Rokas Pukštas and Roko Brajković. This victory places Hajduk temporarily four points behind Dinamo Zagreb, who are set to play an away derby against Rijeka later that day.

Marko Livaja, the captain of Hajduk, started the match but expressed visible frustration when he was substituted by coach Gonzalo Garcia in the 77th minute. Eyewitness accounts from Dalmatinski portal indicate that Livaja struck the plexiglass on the substitutes' bench in anger upon his exit. After the match, while his teammates celebrated with the fans, Livaja reportedly rushed to the locker room without joining the post-match festivities.

Garcia addressed the issue in the press conference following the match, acknowledging Livaja's efforts during the game while hinting at the player's dissatisfaction with the substitution. This incident raises questions about team dynamics and player morale, especially considering Hajduk's struggle to find form at the start of the year and Livaja's importance as a leader on the field.

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