Dominik Livaković, Barcelona’s new goalkeeper, has been called up to the Croatian national team for four upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, including two clashes against Spain, as well as games against the Czech Republic and England. Croatia begins its campaign against the Czech Republic in Prague on September 26, then travels to Seville to face Spain on September 29, hosts England in Rijeka on October 3, and concludes with another meeting against Spain in Split on October 6.
A Decisive Conversation
Livaković’s return to the national team comes at a time when he has yet to make his official debut for Barcelona since his move to the Catalan club. This prompted Croatia coach Slaven Bilić to address the importance of the goalkeeper gaining match minutes.
Bilić shared details of his communication with the goalkeeper: “We talked; he called me twice. He asked for my opinion on his situation, and I told him he doesn’t need to justify anything.”
The Croatian coach emphasized that Livaković’s transfer to Barcelona is a major step in his career, stating, “No Croatian goalkeeper has ever moved to a club of this magnitude.” However, he stressed the necessity of playing regularly, adding, “On the other hand, you must play. When you are the second goalkeeper, you might be called upon at any time, and you need to be constantly ready.”
Unwavering Confidence
Bilić affirmed that Livaković still enjoys great trust within the national team, citing his consistent performances over the years, even when he wasn’t a regular starter at his club.
According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Bilić said: “He has a lot of credit with the national team. He has delivered outstanding performances for us even when he wasn’t playing with Girona, but you have to play.”
The four upcoming matches provide Livaković with a valuable opportunity to regain match sharpness and maintain readiness while waiting for his chance at Barcelona.
During the two games against Spain in Seville and Split, Livaković will face several of his new Barcelona teammates, as the Spanish squad is expected to include multiple players from the Catalan club.
Additionally, the Croatian goalkeeper may come up against Anthony Gordon when Croatia meets England in Rijeka.