Ivan Katalinić warns Ajax: no excuses for the poor pitch in Split

Former coach of Hajduk Split, Ivan Katalinić, has made clear that Ajax has no reason to be afraid of his team in Poljud Stadium. He says that the Amsterdammers are already looking for excuses about the state of the pitch, while according to him there is no rainfall that would damage the grass.

Historical perspective on the rivalry

Katalinić, who in the 1990s often faced the successful team of Louis van Gaal, remembers the four previous meetings between the two clubs. At that time Ajax dominated and won everything that was up for grabs, according to the former coach. These four duels took place over a period of one and a half years.

This year Hajduk Split is active in a European main tournament for the first time in sixteen years and it will be the fifth meeting with Ajax. The club is led by Gonzalo García, former player of sc Heerenveen, FC Groningen and former coach of FC Twente.

Katalinić’s analysis of the current situation

According to Katalinić the Amsterdammers are already looking for excuses because they are worried about the pitch after the rainfall. He states that Ajax must instead take points to secure a place in the next round of the Conference League, or even win the tournament.

He emphasizes that Ajax is no longer the invincible team of the past: “Ajax is not invincible, it is not an alien club. They are flesh and blood, just like anyone else.”

Katalinić believes that Hajduk can remain unbeaten against Ajax in Poljud and even win, because the crowd is behind the team. He compares the battle to the derby against Dinamo (2‑1) and says that Hajduk should not have exaggerated respect for Ajax.

Finally the former coach concludes that Ajax’s concerns are unfounded: “Ajax expects a poor pitch, but it is not currently raining in Split in a way that could damage or flood the grass.”