U-21 squad gathers; Olić: “I expect great support, it will be a big boost for the boys”

“At the beginning, we said this would be a marathon of eight matches. Now we are halfway through that marathon and every match is extremely important. I can rightly say that after these four matches we’ve played, Turkey are our biggest competitor for first place. They have a good roster, good players, so I believe they also have every right to hope for qualification to the European Championship,” said Olić.

The head coach is particularly pleased that the team will play in Slavonia.

“From the beginning, when we were planning the schedule, it was my idea to play this match in Slavonia. I expect great support from the fans and I think it will be an important boost for the boys and a reward for what they have done so far,” Olić added.

Compared to the initial squad list, Olić has subsequently called up Sven Lesjak (Varaždin), Filip Mažar (Slaven Belupo) and Noel Bodetić (Rijeka).

“We had certain issues from the initial list. Right at the start, we received a notice and a request from Matija Barzić’s club, as they do not have an international break and have three matches scheduled in this period, while also being in a tough relegation battle. In agreement with the club, we released him from duties in this cycle. Matia was not in the forefront of our plans here, but he is a very important player there. Barišić is in the fourth week of recovery from a hamstring injury, he is coming back and we will wait for him until the last day. He should join us on Friday and continue working according to the program with our coaches. We hope he will be ready for the match. Fran Topić had a minor incident in training two or three days ago. We will receive a medical report and decide. He feels good and believes he will be ready, and we hope he will join us,” said Olić.

Adrian Segečić, a midfielder for English Championship side Portsmouth, is a new member of the U-21 team after switching allegiance from Australia to Croatia. Olić explained how the decision came about.

“There’s quite a bit of coincidence in all of this. We talked a lot about the problems in the squad regarding injuries and players not getting minutes abroad, and we followed all possible lists across Europe. Then we came across Segečić, who at the time had both the Australian and Croatian flags. Assistant coach Krnjić asked me what the situation with him was, and I said ‘I don’t know, we’ll check.’ I then contacted sporting director Pletikosa, who told me they had already reached out to him, but since he hadn’t played for the senior national team, there was a possibility,” Olić said.

“Then, through Joe Šimunić, we got in touch with his father. I called him and asked if there was a chance. What gave me hope was seeing that his father had a Croatian flag on his WhatsApp profile. I already thought this could be a good story, haha, to be honest. In the conversation, I realized he is from a place just 15 kilometers from where I’m from, that he moved to Australia long ago, but still follows everything and visits his village several times a year. His father wanted his son to play for Croatia, and in the end, we agreed that Adrian would make the final decision,” he added.

The young Hajduk goalkeeper Toni Silić has been a consistent performer this season.

“We have a very important match against Turkey ahead of us, where we can resolve a lot of things. I expect a tough game. We played very well in Turkey, got a draw, and could have taken all three points. The energy is positive, the team is in good shape, so we are expecting a good result.

Of course, I am satisfied with my minutes at the club. I’ve found continuity in my performances, which is the most important thing for me and for all the guys, so that things are easier for us here.”

Asked whether he hopes to make it to the World Cup, he said:

“I go game by game, that’s how you prove yourself, and if that comes, it will certainly be a very nice reward. But I am focused here on the U-21 team and on performing well in this match.

Of course it feels good for everyone, but we are professionals, our focus is on the pitch, we don’t burden ourselves with such things. You prove yourself on the field, and only through performances can you earn those opportunities,” said Silić.

Lovro Zvonarek was also delighted with the national team gathering.

“We are all happy that the team is together again, we couldn’t wait for it to start again. We are a really great group and can’t wait to take the field against Turkey.

It will be a wonderful match at Opus Arena and I think it will be an exciting one. Turkey are currently first, but with a game in hand. We are going for the win, to show who we are. We are playing at home, I believe the fans will come to support us, and we are going for victory,” said Zvonarek.

“Personally, I’m in great shape and very happy. I’m on loan at Grasshopper, I’m happy because I’m playing and have the trust of the club and the coach. I was injured for the past month, but I’m back now and have the energy to contribute to the national team,” Zvonarek concluded.

Croatia are currently unbeaten in second place in Group H, one point behind leaders Turkey, who have played one game more. Turkey will visit Opus Arena on March 31 at 17:30, in what will be the only match of this international window.

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