Gennaro Gattuso, the head coach of Hajduk Split, found himself at the center of controversy following his team’s disheartening 3-0 defeat against Rijeka during the Croatian Championship on March 17, 2025. The match marked another setback for Gattuso’s squad as they strive to capture their first league title since 2005, currently sitting two points behind their rivals Rijeka.
During the heated post-match interview broadcasted live on MAXSport 1, Gattuso clashed with pundit Josko Jelicic. The exchange quickly turned intense as Gattuso, visibly frustrated, refused to shake hands with Jelicic due to what he deemed constant disrespectful criticism of Hajduk Split.
I don’t shake hands with you because you speak too much, Gattuso asserted, making it clear he had no respect for Jelicic’s commentary. The former AC Milan and Napoli player’s temper was recognizable to fans who remembered his fiery playing days.
Despite the initial shock of the snub, the interview proceeded to escalate as Jelicic, a former Hajduk player himself, attempted to press his point. You played very badly, he insisted, speaking to Gattuso who was clearly agitated and pointed back at the pundit, stating, You have to have respect for people. I am speaking.
The tension boiled over with both men shouting over each other, leading to presenter Valentina Miletic losing control of the situation. Speak here, Gattuso demanded, as if trying to reclaim the floor. To which Jelicic responded, We are going to speak. I am here. Their argument highlighted the strained relationship between the two, who seemed far from the camaraderie one would hope for post-match.
Gattuso didn’t shy away from his feelings about Jelicic. This is the last time I talk to you on TV. You are a bad person and I will not talk to you anymore...you talk like you have conquered the world, he said, establishing boundaries as the interview drew on.
The fiery back-and-forth marks Gattuso’s latest interaction surrounding the scrutiny he has faced since taking the helm of Hajduk Split last June. Under intense pressure to deliver results, Gattuso's outbursts reflect the mounting stakes he faces as the team falls behind its title rivals.
Immediate reactions from fans and social media have demonstrated divergent views; some side with Gattuso, appreciating his fierce defense of his team, whereas others criticize him for his inability to handle criticism gracefully. The Croatian football community remains divided as the season progresses, with both players and coaches facing mounting expectations.
Jelicic’s commentary, influenced by his own experiences, continues to provoke notable responses from Gattuso. I won’t speak with you, OK? Let’s go, Gattuso said as he attempted to distance himself from the conversation. Such remarks signify the deep-rooted passion involved not just from the players, but also the pundits who analyze every match.
Gattuso took over Hajduk Split, hoping to lead the historically successful club back to its former glory. Aiming to emerge victorious this season, the weight of the club’s expectations looms large, but the team’s struggles against key opponents like Rijeka complicate their path to the championship.
The clash between Gattuso and Jelicic symbolizes the fiery passion inherent to the sport, reflecting upon how deeply intertwined football is with national pride, competition, and personal history. Gattuso, known for his passionate leadership style, emphasizes the struggles inherent to coaching at such high levels, where every match is not just about statistics but emotions.
At the conclusion of this matchday, the title race remains incredibly tight, with Rijeka now two points clear at the top of the table. What lies ahead for Gattuso and Hajduk Split as they continue to battle for the championship title is uncertain, but one thing is sure: Gattuso’s fire won't cool anytime soon, evidenced by both his coaching philosophy and approach to media interactions.
For Gattuso, this recent exchange may have repercussions, but it also reveals the character of the man at the helm of Hajduk Split. A mix of formidable passion and frustration, he embodies the spirit of his team—fighting for recognition and respect both on the pitch and beyond.
