Mišić a révélé s'il s'attendait à l'appel de Bilić: "Les années ne sont qu'un nombre. Mon rêve est de jouer pour la Croatie"

Dinamo Zagreb has launched its European campaign with a crucial two-leg qualifier against Swiss champions Thun in the UEFA Champions League. The first match is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, at the Stockhorn Arena in Switzerland, followed by a return fixture at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb on July 28. Both matches will kick off at 20:00 local time and will be broadcast exclusively on RTL's main channel and the Voyo platform, with text commentary available on Net.hr. The Croatian club’s preparations have been largely uninterrupted, with minimal changes to the squad since last season, according to veteran coach Ilija Lončarević, who believes Dinamo is well-positioned to face the challenge ahead. The first leg in Switzerland marks Dinamo’s opening competitive match of the season, following a relatively quiet summer transfer window. Lončarević, reflecting on the team’s readiness, emphasized that the squad is already cohesive and capable of competing at the highest level. He noted that while there might be adjustments later in the season depending on qualification outcomes, the current lineup should be more than sufficient to handle the Swiss side. “They’ve had some changes, but they’re still not fully integrated,” he said, highlighting Dinamo’s advantage in experience and structure over their opponents. Thun, despite being crowned Swiss league champions last season, has undergone several personnel changes, which could affect their performance in the qualifiers. Lončarević stressed the importance of patience and tactical discipline rather than overconfidence. “It’s crucial to approach these matches with composure and strategy, not just belief in superiority,” he added. While playing the second leg at home offers psychological benefits, he cautioned that success depends more on preparation and mindset than location alone. The focus within Croatian football extends beyond the Champions League qualifiers. Slaven Bilić, newly appointed head coach of the Croatia national team, faces immediate scrutiny regarding his selection policy. His decision to prioritize player quality over club affiliation has sparked speculation about potential call-ups for Josip Mišić, the 32-year-old Dinamo captain. Mišić, who recently expressed hope of earning a cap for Croatia, acknowledged the challenges of facing top-tier international midfielders such as Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Declan Rice, and future Manchester City star Cole Palmer. Bilić’s appointment signals a shift in strategy, emphasizing talent over domestic allegiance. This move has raised questions about the inclusion of players previously favored under former coach Bruno Dalić, including defenders Lovro Majkić and Nikola Moro, who were omitted from the World Cup squad despite their loyalty to the national team. Whether Bilić will follow through on his stated priorities remains to be seen, particularly given the high expectations surrounding his tenure. Meanwhile, Dinamo’s captain Mišić confirmed that the team is physically and mentally prepared for the upcoming fixtures. Speaking ahead of the Swiss encounter, he highlighted the squad’s fitness and readiness after a successful pre-season training camp. “We are eager to start the season strong and show our capabilities on the European stage,” he said, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to adapt quickly to artificial turf, a surface they have historically performed well on. As the curtain rises on another challenging chapter for Dinamo, both domestically and internationally, the spotlight remains firmly on the club’s ability to navigate the Champions League qualifiers and Bilić’s leadership of the national team. With key players poised for new opportunities and rivalries intensifying, the coming weeks promise to test the mettle of all involved.