Danijel Subašić joins Croatia coaching staff 

Danijel Subašić (Photo: Анна Нэсси/soccer.ru/CC BY-SA 3.0)

ZAGREB, 25 September 2023 – Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić has announced a new addition to his coaching staff on Monday in celebrated former International goalkeeper Danijel Subašić.

Subašić retired earlier this summer after a successful career where he represented Zadar, Hajduk, and Monaco, leaving a significant mark on the Croatian national team with 44 appearances. 

Subašić played a crucial role during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, especially with his saves during penalty shootouts against Denmark and Russia, contributing significantly to their historic silver medal.

“I am delighted that we’ve strengthened our staff with another prominent member of the silver-medal generation. This has proven to be an excellent formula for our national team because these are guys who have great passion, ambition, knowledge, and an understanding of the values we uphold in the team. It was easy to come to an agreement with Danijel because I could sense his strong desire to join us again, this time as a member of the coaching staff. With his vast playing experience and a personality that perfectly fits into our national team narrative, Suba will undoubtedly be a valuable addition, and I look forward to working together,” Coach Dalić stated.

Subašić will join goalkeeper coach Marjan Mrmić in working with the goalkeepers, and previously, representatives of the silver generation Vedran Ćorluka and Mario Mandžukić have been part of the coaching staff.

“I am truly excited to be back among the Vatreni, and I want to express my gratitude to Coach Dalić, President Kustić, and Technical Director Pletikosa for their trust in me. It’s an honor to join the most successful coaching staff in the history of the Croatian national team, and I am confident that my experience can contribute to further success. I understand how important quality work and a top-notch atmosphere are in the national team, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this exceptional collective once again. I come with a lot of energy and enthusiasm and can’t wait for our first gathering,” emphasized Danijel Subašić.

President of the Croatian Football Federation, Marijan Kustić, extended a warm welcome to the popular Suba:

“As a federation, we fully support the coach’s vision of including former players who have left a significant mark on the national team and understand what representing the team means and how it functions. Suba is one of the greatest Croatian goalkeepers of all time, which is a sufficient reference, but he is also one of the most beloved personalities in every dressing room due to his leadership qualities and character. He will undoubtedly be a valuable addition to Dalić’s coaching staff. I extend my sincere welcome to Danijel for his return to the national team and wish him much success in this new coaching career.”

Technical Director of the A and U-21 national teams, Stipe Pletikosa, also welcomed another goalkeeper to the staff, along with Subašić, there are goalkeeper coach Marjan Mrmić and observer Dražen Ladić:

“I extend a warm welcome to Danijel as he joins the coaching staff of the A national team. His arrival aligns with Coach Dalić’s vision and the federation’s strategy of involving proven, deserving, and successful former national team players in our team’s operations. Danijel brings significant playing experience, a deep understanding of our goalkeepers, the staff members, and how the national team operates. He will undoubtedly fit seamlessly into the staff, and I am confident that his arrival will bring joy to the entire dressing room, where he has always been respected and influential.”