Dalić talks injuries, form, and strategy ahead of Scotland and Poland

Zlatko Dalić

The Croatian national football team has gathered in Zagreb today ahead of their upcoming Nations League fixtures, with matches against Scotland in Zagreb on 12th October and Poland in Warsaw on 15th October.

The head coach of the Vatreni, Zlatko Dalić, held a press conference to talk about a number of topics ahead of the upcoming clashes.

“We face Scotland on Saturday, and we have two more training sessions than usual. Our opponents are currently bottom of our group with no points, but we must not become complacent. Our history against them isn’t great; we only have one win from the Euros, and it’s always been tough.

As for the team’s medical report, Marin Pongračić has had to withdraw due to injury, and Mateo Kovačić will not be joining us today due to personal matters. I hope he can resolve them and join us in time.

Perišić had an awkward injury, but it’s nothing serious; he took a knock. I expect him to join us today or tomorrow. Josip Šutalo was injured towards the end of the match, and we don’t yet know the exact nature of the injury; it’s likely muscular.

We’ll do an assessment to determine the situation. We’ll also discuss with Olić whether we’ll bring in a defender from the youth team,” explained Zlatko Dalić, HNS said.

On Pjaca, Perišić, Modrić, Budimir

“We’ll see what happens with Pjaca; I hope he can join us. We’re in a good situation with the clubs, as most players have had good performances. I hope we can continue what we achieved for the majority of the last cycle. The players’ form is encouraging, and they are in better shape now compared to September. Perišić is getting back to where we want him to be, and he has found a club. Unfortunately, he got injured, but he is competing at his club. At PSV, he plays as a right-winger, which opens up another option for us.”

On the right-back position

“In the last two matches, both Jakić and Pjaca performed well in those positions. I think they both deserve another chance, and Perišić can also cover that position. I can’t find anything better; this is what we have, and that’s that. There’s no need to search too much as the performance wasn’t bad. I trust these players, and Juranović is returning to training. Jakić and Pjaca have done well, so we’ll continue with them.

The right-back issue? I think it’s a matter of circumstances. For a while after Jarni, we had no left-back, then we looked for a winger, and now a right-back. There’s always a gap when someone holds a position for a long time, like Šime Vrsaljko did. I wouldn’t say it’s due to poor work in the clubs; they are doing the best they can.

The problem is that our young players, as soon as they play two or three matches, go abroad, and it’s difficult for them to maintain their status in their clubs amidst strong competition. We have Stanišić and Juranović, but unfortunately, they have been injured. It’s bad luck. If we look at the Croatian league, the right-backs in the top four clubs are mostly foreign players, although now Hrgović has emerged.”

On the three-centre-back system

“As you’ve seen, young defenders like Vušković and Prpić are coming through. We have options from the youth team. We’ll continue playing with three defenders. Erlić will be on the right if Šutalo isn’t fit. So, we’ll only change if circumstances force us to, but after those two matches in that system, there’s no reason to change.”

On increased training sessions

“Previously, we would gather on a Monday, have a recovery session, one training session, and then travel on Wednesday. Now, we have four proper training sessions, and that makes me happy. Every session is important when we’re practising new things. After the Scotland match, we’ll stay in Zagreb for a day and then head to Warsaw on Monday; this time, it’s not as packed.”

On the performance of Martin Baturina and Petar Sučić against Monaco

“After Bayern, everyone was criticised; they all performed poorly, and then after Monaco, they were suddenly hailed as star players. They are the future of our team, gems that need to be nurtured and protected.

There will be ups and downs, but they are recognised as potential talents, and my staff and I have seen that. They played brilliantly against Monaco, and I hope they continue in that way. Their potential has never been in question; they need the chance and support. They will very soon be key players for the national team.”

On Luka Sučić’s brilliant goal

“He is a very talented and powerful player, and not just anyone can score that kind of goal. If Messi had scored that, it would be replayed hundreds of times daily. What the two Sučićs did was a masterpiece. Luka has made an impression at his new club and played well; he needs to stay on the right track. The goal against Atlético was a work of art.”

On the congested match schedule

“That’s a concern for everyone in football. There are too many matches, and the pace is demanding. The business side of things is being pushed, and as a national coach, I’m not directly affected by these decisions, but the clubs are. They invest significant amounts of money and have to compete. I won’t interfere, but I do think it’s excessive.”

October international break: finally! 🤗 #Family#Vatreni❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/jiAUM8nv6M

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) October 7, 2024

On Oršić’s return

“I’m glad Oršić is back after his injury. He’s in a group of players who have earned a chance. I don’t expect him to be as he was before, but he certainly deserves an opportunity to come back, and we should encourage him.

It’s tough after an injury, but he will be very important for us on the left side. He plays for Trabzon and is getting back in shape; we’re waiting for him to assert himself even more and be of use.”

On the natural disaster in Bosnia and Herzegovina

“It’s affected all of us; people there have faced a tragedy and lost so much. We express our deepest sympathies and full support. We and everyone else must help; it’s truly a great tragedy… When we see the problems people are facing, it makes us realise that our own problems are insignificant.”