SC Freiburg striker Igor Matanović has arrived for international duty with the Croatia national team in exceptional scoring form, netting six goals and providing three assists in his last seven appearances across all competitions. As Croatia prepares to open its UEFA Nations League campaign in League A Group A alongside England, Czechia, and Spain, Matanović expressed eagerness for the upcoming fixtures while addressing his club’s current standing and tactical identity ahead of the September 26 opening match.
Matanović Carries Club Form Into International Preparations
The 21-year-old forward arrives in the national team camp riding a wave of momentum from the Bundesliga. Freiburg currently sits in third place in the German top-flight standings, a position Matanović attributes to the squad’s aggressive playing style and high tactical execution under their coaching staff. Speaking to reporters during the pre-match press conference, the striker highlighted the team’s relentless approach on the pitch.
“We are very satisfied with the way we play, the high press, and the high running intensity,” Matanović said. “Every team has major problems with us. The coach is good, and we play good football. We are deservedly in third place, but we have to keep going like this.”
Following a tough exit at the hands of Portugal in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Croatia fell 2–1, the Nations League offers an immediate platform to reassert their competitive standing among Europe’s elite.
Tactical Focus Turns to Opening Opponent Czechia
While the group features powerhouse matchups against Spain and England, Matanović insists that the primary focus remains fixed entirely on Czechia for the September 26 opener. The striker stressed that every fixture in League A demands absolute concentration, noting that the Czech side poses distinct tactical challenges.
“Everyone of us is ready for what awaits us; you can feel in training that we are all good and that we train well,” Matanović stated. “We can’t wait for everything to start. The most important match is against Czechia, but we must treat all the others equally seriously. Of course it will be very difficult against the Spaniards and the English, but first we have to play well against Czechia.”
Breaking down the opponent’s style, Matanović pointed to Czechia’s physical approach and proficiency in winning contested balls across the pitch. Having faced numerous Czech players throughout his club career in the Bundesliga, the forward warned that complacency would prove costly.
“Czechia is a very good national team; we analyzed them and a strong opponent awaits us,” Matanović added. “I know quite a few Czech players who play in the Bundesliga, and it won’t be easy at all. Czechia is not in League A by accident. A tough match awaits us against a team that plays with long balls and is good at so-called second balls. In that segment, we must be to the ball before them, and if we do that in the right way, we can hope for a victory.”
Lighthearted Interlude and Squad Fitness Updates
Amidst serious tactical assessments, the press conference briefly shifted to lighter topics when journalists questioned the striker about his distinct hairstyle, which has drawn considerable media attention in recent weeks. Handling the query with a smile, Matanović confirmed that his signature look is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
“I knew that question was coming,” Matanović said with a laugh. “My hairstyle was a big topic, but it stayed the way I like it. I think the hairstyle will remain the same until further notice.”
Attention quickly returned to pitch matters, particularly concerning team fitness and availability. Captain and midfield anchor Luka Modrić missed a training session ahead of the fixture, leaving media and supporters monitoring his recovery status as the squad finalizes its tactical blueprint.
Croatia will continue its final training sessions ahead of the September 26 clash against Czechia. Fans and analysts can follow official team updates and match coverage across sports news networks as the Vatreni kick off their latest European campaign.
