Dalić opens up ahead of France showdown in Split

Zlatko Dalić

The Croatian national football team has gathered today in Split ahead of this week’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final match against France.

Head coach Zlatko Dalić talked to the media today about a number of topics, including injuries, Marko Livaja, goalkeeper concerns and more.

“We’re facing one of the best teams in the world. It won’t be easy, but we’re aiming to reach the Final Four. As always, I’m optimistic and hope we can achieve a good result. We don’t have much time to prepare—same as France. Unfortunately, Luka Sučić won’t be with us, which is a big setback,” Dalić said for HNS, before talking about he form of some of his key players.

“We always face similar issues—some players get more game time, others less. It’s been like this for a long time. I’m sorry that Luka Sučić is unavailable; he’s very important to us.

On the other hand, Ivan Perišić is back in form, Luka Modrić is playing regularly, while Mateo Kovačić has had less time on the pitch. The good news is that our full-backs are back, although Duje Ćaleta-Car isn’t playing often for his club.

France are in fantastic form—Mbappé, Dembélé, Barcola—these are quick, direct players who can cause problems for anyone. If we give them time and space, they will be very dangerous. Our last two matches brought us good results, and that should be our guiding principle. We mustn’t rush things.”

On the goalkeepers…

“For the first time, we have a problem with goalkeepers. Dominik Livaković hasn’t played for a while, and neither have Dominik Kotarski or Nediljko Labrović.

The only one who has been playing regularly is Ivica Ivušić. I trust Livaković, but the issue is that he isn’t getting game time at the moment. We have a lot of goalkeeping staff in the squad, so they will have a better idea than me on how to handle the situation.”

On calling up additional players…

“We’re sticking with this squad. We have 20 outfield players and three goalkeepers available, and we won’t be calling up anyone else. It’s unfortunate about Luka Sučić—he started playing high-intensity matches too soon and aggravated his injury.”

On debutants Franjo Ivanović and Toni Fruk…

“Ivanović has been playing very well in Belgium, and Fruk has been carrying Rijeka—he’s the best player in the league. I know this is a big step up for them, but I believe they can help us.

Ivanović reminds me of our past strikers like Olić and Mandžukić, while Fruk is a technically skilled player who can add something to our game.”

On Ivan Perišić…

“I never doubted Ivan Perišić, and I proved that when we called him up four months ago despite the debate over whether he should be included. I believe the national team has given him strength.

He deserves every bit of support and praise. To train and perform like this at 36 years old—only true professionals like Perišić can do that. He’s been one of the most important players in my tenure, and he will play in attack.

We have Josip Juranović and Josip Stanišić for the full-back positions, so there’s no need to use Ivan there. Stanišić has already shown he can mark Mbappé well. Now we have natural options in defence and don’t need to improvise.”

On a clear objective…

“Our goal is the Final Four. I know I used to be critical of the Nations League, but it has turned out to be a great competition. It doesn’t matter if we face Ukraine, Iceland, or the Czech Republic in the next round. I’ve never been one to calculate or take shortcuts.”

On his conversation with Marko Livaja…

“You know I don’t like discussing these things. He earned his place in the national team through his performances. I respect his decision. From my side, I did everything I could.”

On the match against France being Croatia’s biggest fixture…

“I hadn’t thought of it that way, but when you look at it, it’s true. A Nations League quarter-final, such a strong opponent, a knockout match. Of course, the Final Four is a huge motivation—when I think back to Rotterdam and how great that was…”

On facing France…

“Mbappé is back, and this is a great team and a big match. Our aim is to reach the final stage. I believe we have a stronger midfield than them, and with Griezmann out, that could work in our favour.

This is only the first half of the tie—it’s up to us to be competitive and try to build our attacks through possession. We plan to press them high and make their game difficult because their first instinct, once they win the ball, is to go straight for goal.”

On Split as the host city…

“We’ve beaten Portugal and Russia here—we have great memories, which is why we chose Split for this match. I hope we can replicate those positive performances.”

On Ante Budimir’s form…

“He’s become a club legend as a foreign player, which is a big achievement. Just look at the top scorers—Mbappé has 21 goals, Lewandowski 20, and right behind them is Budimir with 15. He’s earned everything through hard work.

I remember leaving him out a year ago to give younger players a chance, but he fought his way back. People have often questioned how I use him, but analysis shows that every time he comes on, he adds something extra.

It’s up to us to make the best choices. Budimir deserves to be here—he’s proven that actions on the pitch matter more than words in the media. He’s an example for everyone.”

On the second leg in Paris…

“Nothing will be decided in Paris. The most important thing is to get a good result in the first match. Maybe it will even be easier for us to play there—they will have the pressure of 80,000 home fans and will need to dominate possession.

Our priority is to be competitive in the first leg and avoid bad moments. Going to France with a good result would be a huge motivation for us. I believe we have a chance, but a lot will depend on the first match.”

Croatia plays France in the first leg at Poljud Stadium in Split on Thursday night, 20 March.