Dalić talks about injury woes ahead of crucial Euro 2024 qualifiers

Zlatko Dalić (Photo credit: Кирилл Венедиктов/Soccer.ru/Creative Commons)

The Croatian national football team has gathered ahead of the qualifying matches for the 2024 European Championship in Germany against Turkey (October 12th, Osijek) and Wales (October 15th, Cardiff).

Croatia has a chance during this cycle to ensure qualification for next summer in Germany and coach Zlatko Dalić addressed the press on Monday. 

“We have two games ahead in which we can take another step towards the Euros. Regarding injuries, we indeed have many problems. Ivanušec is definitely ruled out; he hasn’t returned to the field yet, and there’s no rush. We will assess the situation with Kramarić and Petković during training; they have issues, but the picture will be clearer after training. I hope everything will be okay so that at least one of them can compete against Wales,” Dalić emphasised and provided more details on the team’s injury situation.

“Šutalo and Juranović were not in the squad over the weekend; both have minor problems. They will train, but we need to see how they progress. I wish Perišić a speedy recovery; we will miss him a lot. We just want to find the best solutions and those who will adequately respond to these matches. Our goal remains the same, which is to earn as many points as possible.”

Dalić also touched upon Marko Livaja’s retirement from the national team once again. 

“First of all, I’m sorry that Marko made that decision. He could have given much more to the national team. Thanks for everything he has done for the team; we had a great two years of collaboration. I’ve always said that I respect and understand the decision of every player who has made that choice. I support Marko and wish him all the best in his career.”

Before the matches against Turkey and Wales, the question of the who will lead the attack came up. 

“I believe in Musa, he’s performing well at Benfica. We have some other solutions, honestly, I hope Petković and Kramarić will be ready. However, if they aren’t at a hundred percent, we won’t push them. I have faith in our alternatives, and this is Musa’s opportunity to prove himself. Everyone is waiting for their chance, and now he has one. I won’t dwell too much on who’s missing. Musa is here, and so is Pašalić, who can play in that position. Petković? He’s giving his all to recover, but we won’t force him if he’s not at a hundred percent. Perhaps he shouldn’t have played against Hajduk, but it shows Bruno’s desire to help the club and the national team.”

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The coach is looking forward to the match at the new Opus Arena in Osijek. 

“There will be a fantastic atmosphere in Osijek. We need to give our all; we defeated Turkey 2-0 away in a tense and tough match, and now they have a new coach with new demands. We will examine their roster; we haven’t focused much on Turkey, but we will do that in the next two days. Turkey is a tough opponent, we’re playing on home turf, and we’re really good and dominant. We have a great atmosphere that I hope will continue in Osijek.”

He also touched on the recall of Josip Brekalo and about captain Luka Modrić not getting much game time at Real Madrid.

“Brekalo scored a goal against Napoli yesterday. He scored after more than a year, and this is an opportunity for him. He can make a strong comeback to the national team; his favorite position is open since Perišić, Oršić, and Ivanušec are not available.”

“I haven’t talked to Luka about that; it’s a club matter. Real has many players and matches, and Ancelotti makes a lot of changes. Luka was the captain in the last game and played from the first minute. The most important thing is that he is healthy, ready, and motivated when he plays for the national team,” Dalić concluded.