Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić defends tactics, denies fake interview ahead of World Cup

Croatia’s national team manager Zlatko Dalić told RTL Direkt that the criticism he receives is normal and that anyone can sit in a chair with a beer and give advice. He stressed that the squad must stay pragmatic, relying on a solid defensive base and a slower, possession‑based style, noting that “there is no beauty or enjoyment in this tournament – it’s about results.” Dalić also said he feels no special pressure before the World Cup in the United States, comparing Croatia’s recent success to England’s long trophy drought.

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) later issued a statement rejecting an article that claimed Dalić had given an interview to convicted offender Mladen Pavković. HNS affirmed that Dalić never spoke to the author and warned against spreading the fabricated interview, saying the federation will protect the coach’s reputation.