Ex-Salzburg coach denied move to Dinamo Zagreb

Former championship-winning Salzburg coach Óscar García has caused quite a stir in recent days following his failed move to Dinamo Zagreb.

The 53-year-old Spaniard only took charge of Polish top-flight side Pogoń Szczecin in the summer, signing a contract until 2029. Now, García reportedly wanted to move on after just a few months.

Following the parting of ways with head coach Mario Kovačević, the former Salzburg boss emerged as a potential successor at Dinamo Zagreb. The Spaniard showed keen interest in taking over at the traditional Croatian club.

Garcia reportedly offered to return salary

How far García was willing to go to secure the move was revealed by Polish journalist Piotr Koźmiński on the TVP Sport show "Gol".

According to the report, García even offered Pogoń owner Alex Haditaghi to refund all salary payments received since taking charge if Haditaghi released him early from his contract.

However, according to Koźmiński, Haditaghi rejected the extraordinary offer.

Pogoń boss levels allegations against Dinamo

García reportedly aimed to depart within just 24 hours. According to the report, Dinamo wanted the Spaniard on the bench as early as their Europa League clash against Sunderland.

Pogoń owner Haditaghi confirmed as early as November 5 in a public statement—extensively reported on by Polish media outlets including "WP SportoweFakty" and "PogonSportNet"—that García indeed wanted to move to Zagreb.

According to the statement, the club officially informed Dinamo Zagreb that they would not release García under any circumstances. The manager himself was also informed that his request to leave would not be granted.

At the same time, Haditaghi leveled serious allegations against the Croatian club. He called Dinamo's conduct "unprofessional and unacceptable" and accused the club of negotiating directly with a manager who is under contract with another team.

According to "WP SportoweFakty", the owner pointed to potential legal, financial, and disciplinary consequences. Pogoń is reportedly evaluating further steps together with its legal advisors.

Dinamo sticks with interim boss

Nevertheless, Haditaghi said he could understand his manager's desire to leave. García had been offered the opportunity to take over a bigger club with regular European appearances and earn a significantly higher salary.

However, that was not reason enough for the owner to give his consent.

The move to Zagreb has since fallen through. Dinamo officially confirmed on Monday that interim coach Jerko Leko has signed a contract until the end of the current season with an option for an extension.

The former Croatian international had already taken charge of the team against Sunderland in the Europa League and against Varaždin in the league, winning both matches.

Successful in Salzburg

García will therefore remain in Poland for now. According to Koźmiński, there were three meetings in total between the Spaniard and Haditaghi. The relationship between the two has reportedly deteriorated significantly following the failed move.

Whether García will actually fulfill his long-term contract remains to be seen.

The 53-year-old is a familiar face in Austria. Between December 2015 and June 2017, he was at the helm of Red Bull Salzburg, leading the team to two league titles and two Austrian Cup victories.