Dalić arrived in Manchester accompanied by the technical director of the senior and U-21 national teams, Stipe Pletikosa, as well as members of his coaching staff, assistant coach Vedran Ćorluka and fitness coach Luka Milanović.
On Sunday, the Croatian delegation attended the Premier League derby between Manchester City F.C. and Arsenal F.C.. After the match, they met with Kovačić and Gvardiol and discussed their recovery from injuries, as well as the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The following day, the Croatian delegation was welcomed by Guardiola in his office at Manchester City’s training centre, where Dalić and his staff discussed the status of the Croatian internationals and their condition following more serious injuries.
Kovačić recently returned to the pitch after a lengthy absence, while Gvardiol is currently in the recovery phase, progressing according to schedule.
“I would like to thank my colleague Guardiola for taking the time and for the warm welcome in his office. It was a pleasure to exchange thoughts on football, team preparation, and the challenges of coaching with one of the greatest and most successful coaches of all time.
It is gratifying to hear that he speaks with great respect about Croatian football and everything the Croatian national team has achieved in recent years. We congratulated him on the important victory against Arsenal and wished him success in the title race, naturally also because of our two players at City.
It is wonderful to hear the respect Guardiola has for Mateo and Joško — not only for their footballing abilities, but also for their personal qualities. We are pleased they enjoy such status at one of the best clubs in the world.
We received first-hand information about their recovery, and of course we expect them to once again be among our key players at the World Cup, which they can only be if they are fully healthy. It was great to spend the evening with them, especially since we couldn’t meet in Orlando. It was nice to see them smiling and in good spirits.
I’m happy they are very optimistic, and I sense a strong motivation in them to be ready to help the national team at the World Cup, while also contributing to City in the final stretch of the season — especially Mateo, who is already back in contention for the team. I wish them only good health, plenty of playing time for Mateo, and a successful continuation of Joško’s recovery,” said Zlatko Dalić.
On this occasion, the Federation and national team delegation presented Guardiola with a personalised jersey bearing the number four, as well as a specially designed chess set.
