Gudelj in, Blazevic out at Hajduk
Monday, September 19, 2005
Article summary
The 45-year-old Ivan Gudelj has been appointed head coach of HNK Hajduk Split, replacing the veteran Miroslav Blazevic in the hot seat.
Article body
European blow
The 70-year-old Blazevic was sacked in the wake of Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by HNK Rijeka. He had seen his side take just eleven points from eight domestic matches, having been eliminated in UEFA Champions League qualifying after an 8-0 aggregate defeat by Hungary's Debreceni VSC.
'An honour'
The 45-year-old Gudelj, who has been coaching the Croatia Under-17 team, said: "The dream of every coach in Croatia is to take charge of Hajduk Split. This is an honour but also an obligation for me. I will do my best to improve the team as soon as possible. We need a winning spirit."
Stimac too
Aside from Blazevic, sports director Igor Stimac has also stood down although he will remain on the club's board. Blazevic said: "I am disappointed, I expected better results, but when these are not forthcoming, the coach has to accept the consequences."
