An interview with the Croatia national football team coach just over one month away from the World Cup in Russia.
Zlatko Dalić appeared as a guest on Dnevnik Nova TV 37 days before the World Cup in Russia. The Croatia national football team will already meet for preparations in just 17 days, as their World Cup journey begins on June 16th in their first ever match against Nigeria in Kaliningrad, reports Gol.hr on May 8, 2018.
In a week you must submit an initial lineup. Is the list already developed in your head or will there be changes?
“This week we will define a larger list, and it will display players who have spent the last 2-3 years on the team – there will be no big surprises,” said Dalić.
Modrić, Lovren and Kovačić will play in the Champions League final – are you afraid of them getting injured? The players will miss the first part of the preparations which begin on May 24th.
“I’m proud that Croatia has three players in the Champions League final, which proves our quality. They will not be tired and will come full of confidence and motivation.”
Champions League final – Real or Liverpool?
”I’m not a fan of either one, my team is Barca. Somebody in football always wins, and Croatians will win the Champions League.”
You were very open after the games against Peru and Mexico, and you were even sharp about some of the veteran players. Are you the same way during individual conversations?
“I have to say what is good and what is not. Croatia had not made a significant result in the World Cup since France in 1998, and by our quality we deserve it. We have a brilliant generation and players, who, like me, have to know that we do not live from old glory. Ahead of us is the World Cup, and we have to be the best there.”
You await the preliminary matches against Brazil and Senegal. Did you deliberately choose strong opponents?
“I’ve always said I wanted tough matches and opponents, and we can only progress against them and see our mistakes. We do not need weaker opponents. Maybe it’s risky of me, but it won’t be another way.”
Croatia’s attack has been somewhat problematic in 2018. Kramarić started playing well, Mandžukić is a good standard, but Kalinić has had a lousy season. Do you have a backup plan?
“These are the three players we expect goals from, and let’s hope one of them gets one at the World Cup, but through training and the two games in front of us, we will find the right solution. It is hard to expect one player to be in good form the entire year, you have these ups and downs, but I think we will be the best when it is needed, and that is the World Cup. I think one of them will be our goal-getter in Russia.”
Is there any player that has delighted you this season, a name that could surprise us on the list?
“I’m looking forward to the appearance of a group of young players who are the perspective of Croatian football. In the autumn, we have to introduce young players in the Nations League to show their quality. It will be the best for Sosa, Benković, Ćaleta-Car, Vlašić, Rebić to enter the new qualifying cycle for the European Championships and the Nations League. We have great players and a great generation, and we have to believe in the current generation at the World Cup – they have brought us there, and we should give them a chance.”
Translated from Gol.hr
