SLOVENIA AS THE FINAL TUNE-UP

Stanišić: “Our approach is always the same — we always play to win”

06.06.2026.

Stanišić: “Our approach is always the same — we always play to win”
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Alongside head coach Zlatko Dalić, Josip Stanišić previewed Croatia’s friendly match against Slovenia, which will be played on Sunday in Varaždin at 8:45 PM. Stanišić does not believe fatigue will be an issue for the Vatreni.

“It takes time for everyone to get back into rhythm. We want to win every match. Tomorrow we will approach the game with maximum commitment, and as far as we are concerned, nobody is tired. There is no panic in our camp. Other teams have also suffered unexpected defeats, but that’s football, and fortunately we still have one more match.”

On expectations ahead of the Slovenia match...

“We are playing for Croatia and for our people. We want to give them a victory. Our approach to every match is always the same. We always play to win, regardless of who the opponent is.”

On facing wingers like Doku...

“He is very difficult to defend against. You just hope he’s not at his best on that particular day, but he was very good and hard to stop. I’m not overly afraid when I play against players like that. I actually enjoy facing them because it allows me to see where I stand and how good I am.”

On his excellent season...

“A lot depends on timing, but it also comes down to my mentality. I always want to win, no matter who I’m playing against or where I’m playing. The success of a team depends on the entire squad and the whole coaching staff, but you also need a bit of luck. It’s not easy to go all the way and achieve a good result. We will give our maximum.”

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