Gennaro Gattuso Departs Hajduk Split After Tumultuous Season

Gennaro Gattuso has left his job as head coach of Hajduk Split. This move comes after less than a year at the club. The decision follows a season with high hopes but mixed results for both Gattuso and the team.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Hajduk Split and Gattuso agreed to end his contract after the team finished third in the Croatian league. Gattuso, with experience at clubs like AC Milan and Napoli, couldn’t lead Hajduk to their first league title in 10 years. The team’s effort in Europe also ended early, as they lost to Ruzomberok in the UEFA Conference League. The season’s end was rocky, with Hajduk earning just two points from their last five games, and their title hopes disappearing after losing to Dinamo Zagreb.

WHY IT MATTERS

This decision ends a period for Hajduk, who thought Gattuso’s strong leadership would break their long title wait. The team was near the top for most of the season, but they slipped in key moments. They ended just three points behind champions Rijeka. The poor finish and early exit from Europe made many expect a change in coaching. Fans wanted stars like Marko Livaja and Ivan Rakitić to bring success, but the outcomes didn’t match those hopes.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Hajduk Split will now look for a new manager for the 2025/26 season. The goal will be to rebuild and compete for the Croatian title again, with a new coach trying to boost the team’s momentum. Their next competitive match is in the Croatian league’s opening round, where they aim for a strong start against rivals Rijeka and Dinamo Zagreb. As for Gattuso, his next move is unclear, but his experience in top European leagues makes him appealing for clubs in need of a driven coach.