Zlatko Dalić led Croatia to an incredible finish at the 2018 World Cup, but his tenure since then has been marked by inconsistency and questionable decisions. While Dalić often gets credit for Croatia's achievements, the true accolades belong to the players who made those successes possible—Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić, Marcelo Brozović, Ivan Rakitić, Mateo Kovačić, and the entire 2018 squad deserve the recognition.
Sure, Croatia secured a silver medal in the 2023 Nations League, but this result also highlighted Dalić’s managerial shortcomings. In the match against Spain, Dalić was slow to make substitutions and failed to adjust his tactics effectively to counter Spain's pace and creativity. His reluctance to change strategies in real-time was a critical error, and many, including myself, believe that with better decisions, Croatia could have won that match and competed for the gold medal. The loss against Spain serves as a prime example of Dalić's tactical limitations on the international stage.
During Euro 2024, Croatia managed only a draw against Albania and Italy and suffered a heavy defeat to Spain, leading to their exit in the group stage. Dalić’s inability to adapt tactics against stronger opponents and his reliance on older players show a lack of willingness to rejuvenate the squad with younger talent. He left Marco Pašalić, Martin Baturina, and Luka Sučić on the bench, players who could have significantly helped Croatia succeed and advance in the tournament. Once again, Dalić’s mismanagement was evident.
Moreover, Dalić's squad selections have been a point of contention. His over-reliance on veteran players has led to a lack of mobility and creativity, hindering the team’s performance. Promising younger players are often overlooked because Dalić insists they need two to three more years of professional experience before being considered for the senior team.
The continued inclusion of players such as Ivan Perišić, Ante Budimir, and the recent call-ups of Nikola Vlašić, Domagoj Vida, and Marcelo Brozović for Euro 2024 is concerning. These decisions show Dalić’s loyalty to veterans who were effective six years ago but may no longer offer the skills required at the highest level. This approach misses the opportunity to integrate younger talents who could benefit from the experience and fill crucial roles within the team.
A prime example is Niko Sigur, a promising central defensive midfielder and right-back option, whose potential contribution to the national team has been overlooked because Dalić hesitates to give young players their debuts until he believes they are fully ready. This conservative approach nearly led to a significant loss for Croatian football in 2021 when Borna Sosa, frustrated with the lack of playing time, almost switched his allegiance to Germany. Fortunately, FIFA regulations prevented this switch, but it highlights a growing problem—if Dalić remains as manager, more Croatian diaspora players might opt to represent other nations due to perceived mismanagement and lack of opportunity.
Since 2018, the team’s performance under Dalić has been inconsistent. While winning a silver medal in the 2023 Nations League is notable, the overall performances have been lackluster. The recent failures at Euro 2024 suggest not only a lack of progress but potential regression under his leadership. Despite these concerns, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) seems to view Dalić as the greatest manager in the nation's history, which unfortunately means changes are unlikely in the near future.
It may be time for Croatia to consider new management to bring a fresh perspective and rebuild towards future success.
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