Dalic to discuss Lovren incident in private talk
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic plans to speak privately with Dejan Lovren after the Liverpool defender’s unsavoury comments about Sergio Ramos on social media.
Thursday night’s 3-2 win over Spain in Zagreb means plenty is at stake for World Cup finalists Croatia against England at Wembley today.
Lovren is expected to feature, but caused controversy after Thursday’s victory when he criticised Ramos in an Instagram story, which has since expired.
The 29-year-old appeared to suggest he had elbowed the Real Madrid defender and Spain captain, who was involved in the clash which ended Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah’s participation in May’s Champions League final.
It is unclear if UEFA will take disciplinary action, while Dalic said: “I will talk personally with Dejan, but that will stay between us and the squad. I don’t want to talk publicly about this.’’
Today’s Wembley contest is a League A Group 4 decider, which could seal pool victory or relegation from the top tier of UEFA’s new event for either side.
Croatia will reach next summer’s finals, and relegate England, with a win or scoring draw.
Defeat or a goalless draw will see Croatia drop down. It will be the third time the sides have met in recent months following Croatia’s extratime success in the World Cup semi-final and a goalless draw in Rijeka last month.
Dalic added: “We beat them in the semi-final of the World Cup. That’s the most important thing. Nobody can forget this.”
Numerous Croatia players, most notably captain Luka Modric, pointed to England’s unofficial anthem, Football’s Coming Home as being a motivating factor in Moscow in July, suggesting it betrayed English arrogance.
Dalic also pointed to keeper Jordan Pickford’s distribution being key for England, plus the speed of Raheem Sterling.
He said: “The first option for England is to play possession ball, but if you press them high,Pickford is probably the best goalkeeper in the world with long passes.”
Croatia had not scored in the tournament prior to the win over Spain in Zagreb, which was secured with a stoppagetime goal from Tin Jedvaj.
Ivan Rakitic has been ruled out of the match by an unspecified injury and Dalic’s main concern, is whether his side can summon the energy following their heroics against Spain.
Dalic said: “I’m more worried about our team because we played against Spain two days ago.
“We are tired, but I will try to get the best from my players.”