Slaven Bilic Criticizes Croatia's Lack of Aggression After Heavy Defeat to Spain
Slaven Bilic did not hold back after Croatia suffered a heavy loss to Spain in Seville, sharply criticizing his team for showing little aggression. The coach questioned the mindset of his squad as they continue their rebuilding process.
Frustration Over Lack of Fight
Bilic was clearly disappointed with how his team performed against the world champions. He suggested that the players seemed intimidated by the occasion and Spain's reputation. Despite the transitional nature of the team, Bilic found their lack of fighting spirit unacceptable for a nation known for its strong football heritage.
"It was a tough night for us. We were bad in every way, and we are very disappointed. Yes, Spain is the world champion, and our team is new, but we cannot play with such a lack of aggression, as if we were just here to celebrate their World Cup victory. That’s not who we are," Bilic said.
Defensive Struggles and Bright Spots
The match quickly went against Croatia as they conceded early. Although they managed to level the score briefly, defensive mistakes cost them dearly. Bilic pointed out the team’s failure to stay disciplined, especially during set-pieces and under constant pressure from Spain’s attack. The Croatian defense struggled to cope with Spain's fluid movement throughout the game.
"We can make excuses. Conceding a goal in the first minute against the world champions means you need time to recover. We equalized, but when calmness and intelligence were needed, we gave away another goal from a set piece. It might have been better the other way around," he added."Our defense did not perform well, but there were some positives. At times, Kovacic and Perisic helped break through their pressure, and Beljo played well, not just because he scored."
A Harsh Lesson for the New Squad
Bilic’s project to rebuild the Croatian team faced a stark reality check in Seville. While confident in the technical skills of his players, he admitted their execution fell short on the night. The difference between the teams showed not only in the score but in tactics and intensity. The coach stressed that talent alone isn't enough; the mentality must improve.
"We assembled this team for a reason. On paper, these players have everything, but tonight we showed very little," Bilic reflected.
Upcoming Crucial Match Against England
After the defeat, Croatia now prepares for an important clash against England on Saturday. Both teams have three points each and are chasing Spain, who lead the group with six points. Spain will face Czechia before visiting Croatia next week, making the Saturday game vital for both nations' qualification hopes.
A win over England would boost Croatia's chances and position them ahead in the standings before facing Spain again.
- UEFA Nations League A Fixtures:
- Croatia (CRO) vs England (ENG) – 3 Oct 2026, 19:00
- Spain (ESP) vs Czechia (CZE) – 3 Oct 2026, 21:45
