Gennaro Gattuso was involved in a fiery exchange on live television following Hajduk Split’s crushing 3-0 defeat to Rijeka, directing his anger towards former player and Max Sport pundit Josko Jelicic. The Italian manager, known for his passionate nature, took issue with Jelicic’s criticism, leading to a dramatic confrontation conducted in a mix of Italian, English, and Spanish.
As Gattuso greeted the other studio guests with a handshake, he pointedly ignored Jelicic and launched into a verbal attack.
“I have nothing to say to you because you talk too much and have little respect for people. You played football, so you should understand the situation better,” Gattuso said. “You always speak badly, and I have no respect for you.”
Jelicic, refusing to back down, fired back, saying, “You play terribly.” This further infuriated Gattuso, who raised his hand and pointed his finger just inches from Jelicic’s face, insisting, “You must respect people.”
The former Croatian international was unimpressed by Gattuso’s gesture and immediately responded: “Don’t use your hand like that.” But the Italian refused to step back.
“This is my style. You should have respect. You only talk when you’re in the studio talk football here, face to face. I don’t want to speak to you,” Gattuso added.
The heated dispute did not end there. In a further sign of his frustration, Gattuso declared he would no longer give interviews to the Croatian TV network if Jelicic was present.
“This is the last time I am here. I won’t talk to this TV station anymore if he is involved. He is a bad person,” the Hajduk boss said.
He also took a swipe at Jelicic’s playing career, questioning his credentials as a pundit.
“What have you won in your life? You speak as if you have won everything, but you have no respect.”
Following Gattuso’s departure, Jelicic stood his ground and defended his right to critique Hajduk’s performance.
“He told me I always speak badly about Hajduk. I told him not to point his finger at me, and he said that’s his style. I replied: ‘You are a foreigner, respect what we have here. I have the right to say what I want.’”
The dramatic encounter has only added to the tension surrounding Hajduk Split, who are struggling for form under Gattuso’s leadership. Whether the Italian coach will make good on his threat to boycott Max Sport remains to be seen, but his relationship with the Croatian media is certainly on shaky ground.
Gattuso’s time at Hajduk has been anything but smooth, with inconsistent performances on the pitch and mounting scrutiny from pundits and fans alike. His latest outburst is unlikely to ease the pressure, and with expectations high, his position at the club could soon come under further threat.
