Croatia Coach Zlatko Dalic: “Happy That Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic Got 70 Minutes In His Legs In Friendly Against Saudi Arabia”

Croatian national team head coach Zlatko Dalic is pleased that Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic has gotten some playing time to gain match fitness ahead of the World Cup in the team’s friendly win over Saudi Arabia.

Speaking in a press conference after the match, as reported by FCInterNews, Dalic stressed the importance of Brozovic getting not just injury-free, but also up to the pace of matches in preparation for the World Cup.

Brozovic was back for Inter’s final three matches before the World Cup, Serie A clashes with Juventus, Bologna, and Atalanta.

The 29-year-old did not start any of the three, but was able to come off the bench during the second half of each one.

This was an important step towards full fitness after the Croat had been out for more than a month recovering with a thigh strain.

However, these three substitute appearances on their own were not enough for the 29-year-old to be back to his absolute best.

Dalic believes, however, that with his appearance in the friendly win over Saudi Arabia, the Nerazzurri midfielder has taken a big step forwards in terms of his fitness, and that he should be back to his best for the World Cup with Croatia.

“We’re pleased that Marcelo Brozovic played almost seventy minutes and there were no problems with him,” Dalic said after the match.

“He has no physical problems, everything is fine,” the coach continued, “he just needed a match like this to raise the level of his performance.”