Under-fire Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic lashed out at his critics on Thursday following a Euro 2024 draw with Albania, stating that his contributions are overlooked when his team succeeds.
Croatia faces a potential group-stage exit after a 3-0 defeat to Spain and a 95th-minute equalizer against Albania, resulting in a 2-2 draw on Wednesday.
They must likely defeat Italy in their final Group B match on Monday to advance to the last 16 for a fifth consecutive major tournament.
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Despite leading the team to the 2018 World Cup final, the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, and last year’s Nations League final, Dalic has faced criticism at home.
“We will do everything to prepare for Italy. I have learned some things in these seven years where there have been far more successes than failures,” Dalic told reporters. “I’m also used to criticism.
I always say it’s my responsibility. I am aware that when medals are won, my role ‘means nothing’ and that I am there by accident, but that’s how it is in Croatia.”
“Those who deserve to play, play,” Dalic insisted. “I choose with the staff what I think is best. Of course, some others have merit, but those who I think are the best play.
Here are those who deserve to be here. This probably applies to the older players and I will be with them as long as I live, but those who deserve to play, play.”
Croatia’s fate remains in their hands as they prepare to face holders Italy. They have navigated similar situations in the last two major tournaments. Dalic’s team beat Scotland in a must-win final group match at Euro 2020 and secured a tense goalless draw with Belgium in their last group game at the Qatar World Cup to progress.
“We were on the verge of elimination both in Qatar and at the last Euros. Victory means we’re through, defeat puts us out. We must accept responsibility and correct our mistakes. In Russia (2018), we conceded only one goal in the group and five this time. We have to change that and we are aware of it. For us, this is the knockout stage.”
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