Pogoń Szczecin owner Alex Haditaghi has publicly condemned Dinamo Zagreb’s approach for manager Óscar García, declaring on social media that the former Ajax coach and the Polish club’s ambitions are not for sale. The dispute erupted after Dinamo Zagreb dismissed manager Mario Kovacevic and targeted García, who signed a three-year contract in Poland last summer without a fixed buyout clause.
Alex Haditaghi Rejects Dinamo Zagreb Approach on Social Media
The controversy began when Croatian media outlets reported that Dinamo Zagreb identified García as their top candidate to succeed Kovacevic. According to VoetbalPrimeur, the Croatian club believed an agreement could be reached during the upcoming international break despite the manager’s long-term contract.
Haditaghi immediately took to X to dispute those assumptions. He stated that García signed a three-year agreement as a deliberate choice to build a long-term project in Poland. ‘We hebben Óscar niet naar Pogoń gehaald om hem klaar te stomen voor een andere voetbalclub,’ schreef Haditaghi. The club owner added that Dinamo Zagreb board members contacted him directly on Monday to discuss a potential transfer, a move he labeled as extraordinary and shocking.
I want to address the growing speculation surrounding our head coach, Óscar García, and the reported interest from Dinamo Zagreb.A few months ago, Pogoń Szczecin made a significant decision. We parted ways with our previous coach, placed our trust in Óscar García, and made a…
Contrasting Media Reports and Current Standings in Poland
While Croatian media outlet Germanijak reported that Dinamo Zagreb viewed the contract as a manageable hurdle, Pogoń Szczecin’s ownership insisted the terms provide absolute protection. The Polish club holds a firm stance because the summer agreement lacks any release clause. The financial and contractual reality leaves little room for negotiation from Zagreb’s perspective, according to the statements released by Haditaghi.
On the pitch, García oversees a squad currently sitting fourth in the Polish top flight after eleven matches. The team trails league leaders Lech Poznan by seven points. Before taking the job in Poland, García managed Ajax briefly earlier in the year following a stint at Belgian club OH Leuven, where he spent twelve months between November 2023 and November 2024.
Unresolved Questions Regarding Óscar García’s Future
Haditaghi confirmed in his public statements that he had not yet spoken directly with García regarding the approaches from Croatia. The club owner emphasized that walking away after just eleven matches would deeply disappoint him, while maintaining that he still regards the Spanish coach as a man of integrity. It remains unconfirmed whether García intends to honor his contract through 2029 or if formal bids will follow from Zagreb.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pogoń Szczecin and Dinamo Zagreb Dispute
Who did Dinamo Zagreb dismiss before targeting Óscar García?
Dinamo Zagreb sacked manager Mario Kovacevic on Sunday evening, opening the vacancy that prompted their pursuit of García.
How long is Óscar García’s contract with Pogoń Szczecin?
García signed a three-year contract last summer running until mid-2029, which includes no fixed buyout clause according to club ownership.
What position does Pogoń Szczecin currently occupy in the league?
The team sits fourth in the Polish domestic competition after playing eleven matches this season, trailing league leaders Lech Poznan by seven points.
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