Former Croatia coach Igor Stimac has criticized Gennaro Gattuso’s behavior in a public feud with television analyst Josko Jelicic, stating that it was not appropriate for a coach of Hajduk Split. Gattuso was upset with Jelicic’s critique of him and his team after their 3-0 loss to Rijeka, refusing to shake hands or speak to him during a post-match interview.
Stimac, who has a strong bond with Jelicic, expressed his disapproval of Gattuso’s actions, emphasizing that as a world champion and coach of Hajduk, he should show respect to those who analyze matches. Despite Jelicic’s sometimes controversial commentary, Stimac acknowledged the accuracy of his analysis and the importance of his role.
Reflecting on Hajduk’s recent defeat and Gattuso’s tenure, Stimac questioned the impact the coach has had on the team since taking over. He raised concerns about the quality of play and results under Gattuso’s leadership, suggesting that if he were Croatian, he might have faced dismissal for the team’s performance.
Stimac, known for his no-nonsense approach as a player, admitted that he may not have been as composed as Jelicic in handling Gattuso’s hostility. He praised Jelicic for his restraint and suggested that the situation could have escalated if he had been present.