Dalić: “I’m very satisfied with how we trained”

“The final training session is behind us, and we are finishing the first phase tomorrow. I’m very satisfied with how we trained. Against Belgium, the result was not good and it disrupted us a little. We wanted to give everyone playing time and help three players regain their rhythm through matches: Kovačić, Modrić, and Gvardiol. There’s no drama—France and the Netherlands also lost. Everyone is making ten substitutions; this is the last opportunity to test all the players. Everything is great. We will play in a 4-2-3-1 formation; we are changing the system. All in all, I’m satisfied.”

On the change of system...

“That was always the plan. Nothing specifically led me to make that decision, and I have no doubts about it. We learned some lessons from the Belgium match and we are continuing to do what we do.”

On the two principles: form and hierarchy...

“You have known my system for nine years, and we have won two medals. Hierarchy is very important to me—this is not a club, it’s a national team. Form is important as well, which is why we will test more players. There is no reason to question my work or my logic; the results speak for themselves. This is not a club, but a national team. I stick to my principles and to what has brought success to both me and Croatia.”

On the development of players, including Modrić, Gvardiol, and Kovačić...

“We are helping the players get back into rhythm. They are working well, and that’s what matters. We want to bring them back to top form, but if they are not at their very best, we have alternatives. Vušković has been solid, he is working well, and he has been excellent in training. He has the mentality not to be overwhelmed by pressure.”

On the match against Slovenia...

“It’s a game that gives us an opportunity to try new things. We are analyzing matches against Ghana and Panama because we may use different systems there, and we want the match against Slovenia to serve as good motivation. Slovenia will try to cause us problems, and we will try to be at our best.”

On the importance of building a national team training center...

“It’s a very important project. It should have happened much earlier—for Croatia to have its own training center. This national team deserves one after everything it has achieved throughout its history.”

On Sučić’s position...

“Sučić played alongside Luka in midfield and that worked well. Against Belgium, we pushed him further forward next to Baturina because they are younger and more energetic. Petar is a versatile player who keeps improving and is very good. Luka Sučić has an outstanding left foot and is technically exceptional. He has a place in the national team. We also used him on the left flank. We need to improve some aspects of his defensive play, but he is always ready and works hard.”

On Toni Fruk...

“He was unfortunate with his arm injury. There is no question about his quality, and he will get his minutes.”

On working with players capable of playing multiple positions...

“That is a blessing for a national team coach. More important is whether the player is willing to accept it. Wherever we put them, they do the job. Everyone has a preferred position, but in the national team there is no picking and choosing. Every task has to be carried out.”

On this preparation period compared to previous ones...

“For some reason, World Cups have always suited us better. We have wonderful memories and a great story. Every gathering with these players is a major event for me. Of course, there are difficult moments as well, and when they come, you have to find a way through them.”

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