Croatian national team manager Zlatko Dalic believes that after his side’s performance at the World Cup everyone will expect more of them but he is confident in his side’s ability.
“Right now, Luka Modric is the best player in the world. He was missing something before the tournament but he found it and is now again fundamental for us but I’d prefer to talk about the group as a whole, since that was our true strength.
“Now everything is more difficult for us, because people expect more of the same but what people forget is that in a tournament like the World Cup, there are many factors that determine success. We won twice on penalties, it’s the details that make you progress or send you home. My goal now, is to qualify for the European Championships.”
Dalic was then asked if his side’s performances surprised him and if he believes he is a great motivator.
“I always believed in our abilities. We never considered what could happen, we took it game by game. My philosophy: if you believe it, you can do it. I do not know if I am. I know that I am very straight to the point. We trusted each other from the beginning, I listened to everyone, but ultimately I made the final decision.”
Dalic then spoke on Serie A where a number of his stars play, including Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic, Sime Vrsaljko and Ivan Perisic.
“With the arrival of Ronaldo, Serie A has regained some credibility. It’s an interesting league but it certainly needs some more challengers. Even though Juventus seems so much stronger, there is hope because everyone is now growing. Italy didn’t make the World Cup but I believe they’re on the right path to the top again.”
