'The question is what state the senators will be in because we don't have 30 players, so we simply overcome it'

Mario Carević, head coach of Gorica and a former player in Belgium, shared his thoughts on the Croatian national football team's upcoming matches, expressing a generally positive outlook tempered with realism. "I have a good feeling, as I do every time the Croatian national football team is involved," Carević stated, acknowledging the team's historical competitiveness in major tournaments. However, he pointed out the current challenge: "The main players are returning to us after injuries and are not in competitive form."

“

The main players are returning to us after injuries and are not in competitive form.

Carević specifically addressed the fitness of key players like Gvardiol, Kramarić, Kovačić, and Modrić. "The question is what state the senators will be in because we don't have 30 players like some bigger national teams, so we can simply overcome it," he noted, emphasizing that their readiness is crucial, especially for the match against England, which he deems more important than the friendly against Belgium. He anticipates difficulties against Belgium, particularly from player Doku, and mentioned Kevin de Bruyne, despite his perceived decline, remains a vital asset.

“

The question is what state the senators will be in because we don't have 30 players like some bigger national teams, so we can simply overcome it.

The coach also lauded the emerging talent of Luka Vušković, a young center-back. "Without a doubt, he deserves such a status. He is one of the best young stoppers in Europe. With him and Gvardiol, we have a guaranteed future for who knows how many years," Carević asserted. He believes Vušković, like Gvardiol, possesses world-class ability and should not be feared in a starting role. "Don't be afraid to throw a world-class player into the fire," he advised, noting that the intensity of the Bundesliga has prepared Vušković for top-level competition.

“

He is one of the best young stoppers in Europe. With him and Gvardiol, we have a guaranteed future for who knows how many years.

Regarding Joško Gvardiol, Carević acknowledged his apparent readiness for the World Cup. "Joško Gvardiol gives the impression of a perfectly prepared player for the World Cup, in every sense!" he exclaimed. However, he cautioned against underestimating the physical demands, stating, "As much as we might think it's easy to just join the training processes and intensity, I wouldn't quite agree. The consequences will surely remain." Nevertheless, he concluded that Gvardiol's youth, strength, and intelligent play on defense allow him to compensate for any lack of freshness through anticipation and situational awareness.

“

Don't be afraid to throw a world-class player into the fire.