Where does Croatian football stand today? HNS president Davor Šuker has his say.
The most recent HNS General Assembly was held yesterday where Davor Šuker commented on the current events in Croatian football. This HNS assembly, however, shifted in a rather dark direction with the daring reactions of President Davor Šuker on account of the Hajduk representatives who boycotted the Assembly, reports Gol.hr and HNS on April 6, 2018.
"I'm sorry that we are no longer investigating the swastika at Poljud and that we will have to play against England in front of empty stands. The England team also complained about it. We know Hajduk, and we know their thoughts, but if Hajduk does not respond to any of the ten calls we have given them, then it is obvious that there is something wrong. Time will show who is right. Everyone can always find something that bothers them, and we are glad that Hajduk is stronger year after year. In other countries, it is never ideal or unanimous, and HNS will never stop helping football,” emphasized Šuker.
"We are sorry that the Hajduk representatives did not come. The Assembly is a place where Hajduk can also pronounce their attitudes. For example, Dario Šimić has openly joined HNS, and his well-meaning comments and criticisms are well-received. Hajduk said everything in their announcement and that they are not happy with the election results and the decisions of the competent bodies, but it is a loss for all football fans and sports fans. Of course, we will always try to find a common language - and regardless of the situation, we are trying to talk to representatives of Hajduk and Split. With such refusal they are most harm to themselves, the fans, and the region,” said Vrbanović.
NK Osijek had their say about Croatia national team coach Zlatko Dalić’s lineup for the recent US tour, and their dissatisfaction that no players from their club made the list. Regarding the subject, Šuker remained calm.
"Everyone has the right to have a say in a democracy, and the American tour finished successfully, apart from the 0:2 loss to Peru. Coach Dalić enjoys our full trust and support, the Executive Board is satisfied, and we are doing everything we can to make the atmosphere good against Brazil and Senegal, and finally in Russia,” he replied.
After the derby between Dinamo and Rijeka earlier this week, Croatian football reopened the book to their oldest story: poor refereeing.
"You have already written that VAR should be introduced to Croatia. Well, yes! It first needs to be approved by FIFA, UEFA and that costs money,” Šuker said hopeful of an eventual solution.
HNS once again praised the renovation of pitches in the six first-league clubs, which should see poor pitch conditions gone by the following season.
"The new pitches will be hybrid-like, similar to the one at Rujevica, and will be ready to start the new season. Some will be heated, which will bring additional quality and even enable the national team to play across the country,” Vrbanović said.
