The Croatia national team will gather for the first time since March in Split next month. Before the Vatreni’s return, coach Zlatko Dalić spoke with Dnevnik Nova TV.
As we near the end of the football league championships around Europe, we get closer to the date when the Croatia national team will gather for their next round of Euro 2020 qualifications, reports Gol.hr on May 6, 2019.
After two months apart, the Croatia national team will meet in Split on May 29. The Vatreni’s next campaign will begin with the 100th birthday celebration of the Omiš football club, where they will play a friendly match on May 31 in Omiš.
“All of our players end their championships very early, as early as May 12 and some May 19, and we need that match against Omiš. We have accepted it and look forward to the game,” said Zlatko Dalić.
Otherwise, the 2018 World Cup finalists will look forward to their Euro 2020 qualifier against Wales next month, scheduled for June 8 in Osijek, and a friendly match against Tunisia on June 11 in Varaždin.
“We are waiting for the championships to finish, we are waiting for these games, we are watching the players; hopefully no one will get hurt and they will all be healthy and ready. We are waiting for a very, very tough match against Wales in Osijek. I hope there will be a full stadium and great support; I hope that we will correct what we missed out on in Hungary, get three points and have a nice summer,” Dalić added.
The pleasant atmosphere on the Croatia national time has been shaken thanks to public statements by Dinamo coach Nenad Bjelica. Namely, for the second time, Bjelica publicly complained that he has no communication with Dalić.
“I do not have any comment at all. At least you journalists know that I respect everyone. I do not distinguish between small and large, especially Croatian trainers. I have respect for all of them, and Mr. Bjelica really has my great respect and I congratulate him on the results he achieved with Dinamo this season, this is my whole comment.”
Does Dalić feel pressure from Maximir?
“I have no pressure.”
Dalić was in Split this week receiving the Split City Award for 2018 at the Croatian National Theater.
“For me, this is a huge acknowledgment that I am very proud of,” said Dalić and explained:
“I spent a part of youth in Split, in moments when I was building myself up as a person, Split supported me and I am grateful to Split. Thanks to the people in Hajduk, thank you to the people at the Technical School who helped me become a man of my own, with all the blemishes and virtues.”
Split is Dalić’s past, but also his future, as the central football theme this month is the potential arrival of the national team to Poljud in October this year. Or, in other words, the return of the team to Split seven years after a swastika was found on the Poljud pitch in a qualifier against Italy.
“The Croatia national team is a representative of all Croats. And I always say, I need to play in Dubrovnik, Osijek, Split, Vukovar. All over Croatia. Specifically speaking, I desire to play in Split.”
Croatia could play Hungary in Split for the Euro 2020 qualifier scheduled for October 13, 2019.
“I am doing everything I can, everything in my power to do this. More than I can say.”
With yet another nice award under his belt, this time from the City of Split, Dalić awaits the new qualification challenges with great plans and no pressure.
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