New Croatia Manager Names First Squad
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(photo/dragosopta/hns)
Ante Čačić has named his first squad as Croatia’s new manager on Tuesday…
Čačić, who replaced Niko Kovač yesterday, met the press for the first time as he named his squad for upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Malta.
The full squad:
Goalkeepers: Kalinić, Subašić, Vragić
Defenders: Srna, Ćorluka, Vida, Pranjić, Lovren, Vrsaljko, Lešković, Pivarić
Midfielders: Modrić, Rakitić, Badelj, Brozović, Kovačić, Perišić
Strikers: Olić, Kalinić, Čop, Pjaca, Mandžukić, Kramarić
“I have a chance through top level sport to serve the national interests of Croatia. The goal of the national team is clear. Our first imperative is to qualify for the Euros in France and I will do all I can to realise that. My task from today is to do everything to make that happen,” said the new manager, who also confirmed that his coaching staff will consists of former internationals Josip Šimunić, Marijan Mrmić and Ante Miše.
“Support from the crowd is extremely important, It is easier on the pitch to do battle when Croatia is behind us,” he added, after thanking former manager Niko Kovač.
Croatia, who are currently third in Group H behind Norway and Italy, will face Bulgaria behind closed doors in Zagreb on 10 October, followed by Malta away on 13 October
