Dalic: Croatia players ‘afraid’ after positive COVID test

Jason Soutar
Zlatko Dalic
Zlatko Dalic

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic admitted that his side are ‘afraid’ after Scotland star Billy Gilmour tested positive for COVID-19.

Dalic says his team is playing under “psychological pressure and uncertainty” because of COVID and has complained about having to move training base due to restrictions in Scotland.

When asked about Gilmour’s absence, the 54-year-old said: “Today all of them are afraid nevertheless we have to play and concentrate on the game.”


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“That is the situation. This Euros is stalked by these issues. We are taking all the precautions.

“We are a bit afraid that something might happen. I wish no one else is positive. I don’t want this to expand. We don’t want it to go further. We have to play this match.

“There is a pressure for all of us lasting a month. We have tests every three days and it adds psychological pressure and uncertainty.”

Croatia will be flying in from a domestic training camp in Rovinj for their Group D match against the Scots on Tuesday after leaving their camp in St Andrews due to Scottish government rules.

“That is the situation. This Euros is stalked by these issues. We are taking all the precautions.

“We are a bit afraid that something might happen. I wish no one else is positive. I don’t want this to expand. We don’t want it to go further. We have to play this match.

“There is a pressure for all of us lasting a month. We have tests every three days and it adds psychological pressure and uncertainty.”

Croatia need nothing less than a win to progress to the knockout stages and Dalic added: “This is our last chance to take. We will do our best. We are harmed because we are not playing with our fans. With them we are way better. This is not really fair. We have to travel, keep in isolation.

“We are not allowed to do this or that. No matter what, we will go into the pitch and fight. We are a motivated team.”

“The Scotland team is very good. On the left flank Andy Robertson is very good. He jumps very well and attacks very rapidly. That is their strength.

“We will not repeat what we did against the Czech team, where we spent so much energy running one-on-one. That was completely unnecessary. We will change our approach.

“Gilmour missing? Any player missing is not good for a team. Scotland has other good players, more experienced who can replace him. This won’t be a great blow to Scotland as they have good players.”