Dinamo's former football player shares Croatia's secrets: A Lovre Fixed Against the World

In an interview for the Panorama Sport, Djarmati says the player who surprised him most is Rebic, while coach Dalic lectured strong clans near the Croatian federation who did not want him on the national bench.

Did you think Croatia would go to the World Final?

I have also said in the past that Croatia, with its group of players, should eventually go to the top eight teams. After all, it would be a good result for a country like us with four million people. Personally, I was happy with that, but with the emotions I've experienced in my fight with England, I will never forget. I don't know how to describe it, so I'm glad Croatia exceeded expectations and gave us so much happiness. This is a very big, incredible outcome, and I think it was legitimate the biggest holiday that took place after the match with England. It was a total delir.

How would you describe Dalic as a coach?

The beauty is that Zdravko Mamic, he owns Zagreb's Dinamon but that makes the law on Croatian football and has strong influence on the federation, did not want Dalic at the helm of the National Jewel. Yet, Dalic managed to sit there amid many difficulties and, above all, with great suspicion about him. But he proved to be a simple, hardworking trainer and a very good one.

How many messages did you receive from Albania?

It was amazing how many messages I got. That was awesome. I never thought in my life that Albanians are truly so kind and so many fans of Croatia. I've got hundreds of messages from strangers and acquaintances who wished me off. That made my evening even more special. I was thrilled because the phone wouldn't stop, it was a fire. That's what I'll tell all my Croatian friends, because I'm proud that my country is so highly esteemed by Albanians.

Do you know any of Croatia's players and have any of them friends?

I don't personally know them very closely, because most of them have a generation difference. I know Vukojevic is a National analyst and part of the staff. I know Dario Srna, who is also part of the staff. I know Modrich from the players, with whom we played in age. I played against Modrich in age teams and against Corluca.

How's Modrich outside the field?

He's a great guy. He's honest and very educated. He is always on the ground and works harder than anyone else in training. They tell me he hasn't changed since he's a Real star.

What about Manxukic?

Some common friends keep telling me he's weird.

Why?

He's unhappy all the time. You can end the match with two goals and still say it should have done “this” or “ate” better. A natural perfectionist, but even though he looks very rude, he's a funny person.

Who are national humorists?

Kill him and Vida. Vrieselko is the most hardworking in training and the one who always plays with high intensity, but has humor and tide. So does Vida... They tell me they keep all the allegress alive on the team.

Who else do you have information about?

.... They tell me, for example, it's a little complex. He pays close attention to the media and therefore thinks that the whole world is against him. I've noticed that he also makes anti - English anti - English postings, or posts sentences that criticize them all. He's a great player, but when he makes mistakes, he makes them very serious and hates being criticized for it. It's kind of closed. Not like Perisic...

How's Perisic?

He's reckless and obsessed with volleyball. I can't stop playing games on the beach (beach vocal) and therefore there have often been problems in Inter, who are asked not to do so because of the danger. But believe me he's very talented because I've seen him. He's an excellent volleyball player and has participated in professional tours.

Who was the player who surprised you most?

Rebecca, no doubt. Nobody expected it to be so good in the world, and I have the impression that Bayern won't let others...

What chance does Croatia have to win the World Cup?

I believe the odds are 50-50. I was more afraid of Belgium than of France. For them there is a terrible punishment, and they do not perceive. France is more solid, more cynical, but not as unreadable as Belgium. They have stars, but not as experts as our players, especially in the midfield.