Niko Kovač Ahead of EURO 2016 Qualifier: ‘System Will Not Change’

The Croatia national football team has started gathering in the capital Zagreb on Monday as preparation for an international friendly with Cyprus and the first EURO 2016 qualifier against Malta next week begins…

Head coach Niko Kovač told a press conference in Zagreb on Monday that there will no change in formation for the first EURO 2016 qualifier from what he deployed at the World Cup in Brazil.

“We want to continue on the path we have set before, adding some new elements. We expect to dominate these two matches and we want two wins. Against Cyprus, some new players will get their chance, and we will simultaneously try to improve the performance for the Malta match”, said Kovač, before continuing.

“Every match is important, and even more so when it is the start of the new qualifying campaign. Bulgaria is a serious opponent, confirmed by Ludogorets’ success in Champions League, and Norway is always tough and aggressive. Of course, Croatia and Italy are the favourites, and I am convinced we will qualify for EURO 2016”.

Croatia plays Cyprus in Pula on 4 September in a friendly, before facing Malta next Tuesday at Maksimir Stadium.

“Malta always retains its style and we need and early goal to boost us, and I believe that the supporters wish to see our young lads in action. It is time that they show what they now and help us play even better. Croatia’s system will not change and everything will be OK”, Kovač concluded. (pic: Drago Sopta / HNS)