Injury woes for Dalić ahead of Croatia’s Nations League openers

Zlatko Dalić

Croatia head into the opening two matches of the UEFA Nations League this week missing a number of players through injury.

Defenders Josip Stanišić and Martin Erlić, as well as in-form midfielder Lovro Majer have all been ruled out with injuries and did not meet up with the squad today.

Duje Ćaleta-Car is also in doubt after picking up a knock on the weekend.

Croatia’s head coach Zlatko Dalić held a press conference today as the squad gathered in Zagreb.

Croatia will first face Portugal away (5th September) in Lisbon, followed by a home game against Poland (8th September) in Osijek and Dalić addressed a number of topics.

“We’ve lost two greats, (Marcelo) Brozović and (Domagoj) Vida, and it’s always difficult when someone from that golden generation, the best in the history of Croatian football, retires.

Unfortunately, it’s inevitable. Vida hasn’t been a regular for the past two years, but his approach and commitment have been vital to the team, and Brozović informed me of his decision before the Euros.

I hoped he would reconsider, and it’s odd to retire with 99 caps, but that’s just his way. That’s who he is. I’m deeply grateful to both for the wonderful years and the medals; I’m very sensitive about them,” Dalić said for HNS.

There has been some public debate about the inclusion of Ivan Perišić in the squad, despite him being club-less after parting ways with Hajduk Split.

“Perišić’s name was never in doubt. The question is how much he can contribute at the moment, considering he doesn’t have a club and isn’t in match rhythm, but we won’t forget what he has done for the national team. He is one of the greatest Croatian footballers in history, has achieved enormous things, and it’s my duty to help him in his career, to get back to his previous form, and he has my full support,” Dalić said, adding.

“I’m confident he will soon again be one of the team’s key players, one of the best, and I won’t comment on what happened to him at his club.”

Ivan Perišić

Niko Sigur opts for Canada.

“Niko Sigur chose Canada. A few days before announcing the squad, I spoke with him, as did our technical director Pletikosa, and he expressed his wish to play for Canada, which we respect; it’s his right. I support him; that’s his decision.”

Dalić then turned his attention to the upcoming matches.

“The goal in the Nations League is to establish a system and selection for the World Cup qualifiers, but also to remain in the elite group, ideally reaching the quarter-finals to secure a favourable draw for the qualifiers. I didn’t expect the start of the season to be this complicated with injuries; many players have been ruled out. Today, we’ll know more about Ćaleta-Car and Sučić.

It’s tricky, but we’ll make our selection for the important start against Portugal. We need to assess who is ready and fit to play these two matches at full intensity, and then consider if we need to send out more invitations.

We might also change the system; we need to find solutions quickly, including for the right-back position, which might be covered by (Kristijan) Jakić or (Marko) Pjaca. We’ll give that attention.

Marko Pjaca

The last match against Portugal was good, although what followed wasn’t. Portugal and we are probably favourites for the top two spots, but Poland shouldn’t be underestimated, especially when they have Lewandowski. We need a good result,” he said.

He also spoke a few words about captain Luka Modrić, young striker Igor Matanović, and players who changed clubs over the summer.

“As long as Luka is here, he will have a role in the national team, all in agreement with him, but we’ll also keep an eye on those coming into the midfield. We want to give Matanović a chance and see him in training; we’re looking for a striker who will stand out. Let him feel what it’s like to be in the national team; we’ve watched his matches, he’s scoring.

Erlić and Pongračić have moved to better clubs, and Sosa made a good decision to leave Ajax; he’ll have more opportunities in Turin, which is better for the national team as well. We can be satisfied; their performances have put them in better positions,” the coach said.

“My motto has always been that it’s hard to get in and hard to drop out, but that’s no longer the case due to injuries. Playing for the national team requires consistency, but circumstances have forced us to change, and that’s not good; I can’t stick to my principles. Now there’s a generational shift, and some will have more opportunities.

Playing for the national team is a matter of pride and honour; you need to wait patiently for your chance. Nothing comes easy; older players have bled for medals for ten years, while younger ones already have two without experiencing the hardships of the past,” he added.

Dalić then commented on the results of Croatian clubs in Europe?

“We all want Croatian football to progress, but Europe is the reality. Apart from Dinamo, we haven’t had success in Europe; we’re not losing to Italian, English, or Spanish clubs, but to teams below our level. That’s the reality.

The situation isn’t great; it’s hard to find players for the national team in the domestic league. People may be upset, but that’s the fact, and the problem is also that players leave quickly; clubs have to sell, some young players don’t make it and come back to revive their careers, and we’re full of foreigners – I have nothing against foreigners; I was one myself, but we need better quality ones.

We get those who haven’t made it in other markets. The staff don’t have time; coaches are constantly changing, always blamed, and then replaced within three months. I hope for better work because the Croatian national team relies on the Croatian league, and without a strong domestic league, there won’t be a strong national team.”

Mario Mandžukić recently stepped down as assistant coach and Dalić says there won’t be any new names on the coaching staff for now.

“We’re continuing with the current team. My thanks to Olić and Mandžukić for their efforts; they played a significant role in our successes, and the collaboration was excellent. I’m aware of Olić’s ambitions, and I’m confident he’ll do well with the U21 team.

Mario told me he has other ambitions and plans, and I’ve accepted that. That’s the only truth; everything else is unfortunately just speculation. I wish him all the best,” the coach concluded.