Croatia manager Slaven Bilić has gathered his squad to prepare for UEFA Nations League fixtures against England and the Czech Republic.
The team is aiming to bounce back following a previous defeat to the English side, with Bilić emphasizing that his ambition to overcome top-tier European opponents remains unchanged. The national team is currently training with a focus on regaining momentum in their final group stage matches, having assembled with a collective desire to secure all available points.
The national team is currently training with a focus on regaining momentum in their final group stage matches. During the press conference announcing his squad selection, Bilić stated, If you remember what I said when I arrived, my plan and my desire have not changed one bit. To achieve it, you also have to beat those teams. I am sure we can do it.
🚨🇭🇷 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: Croatia's final squad for the last two Nations League matches vs. England and Czechia. Do you agree with Slaven Bilić's list? 🤔 https://t.co/GHFDPXYxY7 pic.twitter.com/LnQP9kGtX8
Bilić Targets Turnaround Against England
The upcoming match against England, set for this Saturday in Rijeka, is viewed by the coaching staff as the key fixture of the current international break.
Mal resultado y mala impresión, estoy decepcionado. Fue una noche difícil para nosotros y es fácil encontrar excusas. Cuando recibes un gol en el primer minuto, las piernas pueden flaquear. Independientemente de eso, ellos son buenos, los mejores del mundo, pero no me gusta la forma en la que defendimos
, assured the manager.
We were looking for a good result tonight, but it is not easy to play four matches with the same team.
Bilić acknowledged the tactical difficulty of playing top-ranked opponents in quick succession but maintained that his squad is capable of competing in isolated, high-stakes matches.
He added, We cannot play against them three times in a week, but in an isolated match, in a major competition, where everything changes in our favor, absolutely everything is possible.
He further noted that the team needs to improve significantly to achieve a positive result against the English, while also acknowledging that Spain’s status as a world-leading side meant they were always likely to punish any space provided to them.
Player Perspectives on the Upcoming Clash
Midfielder Josip Mišić and debutant defender Šimun Hrgović echoed their manager’s determination to secure a positive result.
Mišić expressed that the team is ready to move past their previous setbacks, stating, We suffered a tough defeat against England. The only thing left for us is to make amends.
He added that the squad atmosphere remains relaxed and the teammates are excellent, noting that if they remain fully focused and give their maximum energy, they have the right to expect a positive outcome.
The squad is operating under the belief that maximum concentration and energy will be required to challenge England’s quality. Hrgović, who is preparing for a homecoming of sorts, highlighted the physical nature of the upcoming test. England is a difficult opponent. We have to play a manly and hard match,
Hrgović remarked regarding the team’s tactical approach as reported by Goal.com.
🚨🇭🇷 Slaven Bilić names Croatia squad for England and Czechia clashes! Croatia face England in London on November 12 before hosting Czechia in Osijek on November 15 in the Nations League. Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur. Defenders: Joško Gvardiol,… pic.twitter.com/TqHtFF8mle
Home Support in Osijek
Following the encounter with England, Croatia will host the Czech Republic in the city of Osijek. Regarding the second fixture of the international break, the defender stated: Vamos a ganar a la República Checa.
The squad’s next confirmed checkpoint is the fixture against England this Saturday. As Bilić continues to refine his lineup, the team remains fully focused on the objective of overcoming their recent international hurdles.
