Busy in the ‘Americana’ studio! Ivković: ‘I don’t know how many sentences Šutalo and Pongracić said’

Matteoni revealed how the “fiery” team had a meeting before the deciding match against Portugal to discuss suspensions.

– They had a meeting for 20 minutes about the break – he said, to which Ivković answered in a sarcastic tone:

– They arrived or were training.

Ivković explained that the players felt insecure after the first game against England.

– After the first game, you are insecure about the second one, and every interruption reminds you. Such an atmosphere was created in the media, it certainly affects the games – he said.

– Yes Vlašić “In the ear of their stopper, it’s an unknown with three equations,” he commented.

He believes that the main problem is that there is no leadership in defense, and he also referred to communication.

– It’s not by chance – Vida and Lovren in 2018 and Lovren and Guardiol in 2022. They can’t do it without leadership. I’m talking about communication, I don’t know how Pongračić and Šutalo said a sentence to each other. You always have to have a mangup like Lovren.

He referred to the situation from a few years ago when Lovren was almost dropped from the national team, but he stayed.

– Lovren was written off in 2022. But with his work and will, he made the selectors put him alongside Guardiola.

– Our stoppers are young and in the process of growing. I think we will make progress on that front – Matteoni is optimistic.