“For Modric it is good not to play every game”

What is a normal day in Davor's life like?

Every day is different in soccer, but surely my daily life changed in the last months during the pandemic. We had to adapt to new circumstances, work at home, make video conferences and think about how to help football, clubs and players. I have participated in many meetings with the UEFA Executive Committee and HNS, our Medical Committee and other stakeholders, trying to find the best ways to protect the health of the players, but also football.

How was all this lived in Croatia?

In addition to the coronavirus pandemic, Croatia suffered a major earthquake in Zagreb in March, making this a truly challenging year for the entire country. We are exploring all the possibilities of help from FIFA and UEFA in these circumstances and we are happy that both organizations really care about their member federations and are willing to support us in crisis situations.

Is Madrid a favorite?

As for the League, after the latest results from Barcelona, ​​it is obvious that Real is the favorite to win the title. Barcelona has not looked good since the restart, while Real continues to win. Taking into account the calendar, everything will go in Real's favor. However, Zidane's team has to be careful because in soccer a game can change everything.

By the way, Modric runs out of contract in 2021 … Do you think he will renew?

It is not my decision and I respect Luka and Real too much to make suggestions in this regard. Luka is a phenomenon, he will turn 35 in September and he won everything in his career, but he still has the same ambition, passion and hunger for soccer as a young player. He takes great care of his body and, as a result, continues to produce world-class soccer on the field. I think Real Madrid respects that and appreciate all that Luka has brought to the club over the years. So I think they will have room for him as long as he can produce at that level. On the one hand, I would not be surprised if Luka ends his career at Real, because I know how much he loves the club, but also, I would not be surprised if he decides, at some point, to take on another challenge in his career.

Don't know the decision you will make?

He is a highly motivated individual who enjoys challenges. In any case, Luka is a very smart guy and he will make the best decision for himself, his family and the club too: he will surely not be forced to be at Real Madrid if he feels that he cannot play at that level any more.

Do you think you should play every game?

At this point in his career, I think it is good for Luka that he is not playing all the games, but I am sure that as a competitor he wants to participate in the most important games. For us in Croatia, it's good if Luka hits EURO next year, with 35-40 games under her belt, instead of 55-60. Next season with a tight schedule will be a challenge for everyone, and having a great team will be key for any club that wants to compete for all the trophies.

Who do you think will win LaLiga?

As for the League, after the latest results from Barcelona, ​​it is obvious that Real is the favorite to win the title. Barcelona has not looked good since the restart, while Real continues to win, and taking into account the schedule, everything will go in Real's favor. However, Zidane's team has to be careful, in soccer a game can change everything.

Speaking of Barça … Do you think he left unfair to Rakitic?

I do not participate daily in Barcelona activities so I cannot judge if Iván has been treated unfairly, only he knows it. I know that he is proud to wear the Barcelona shirt and that he always does his best. He has more than 300 appearances for Barça, won many trophies with the team and was a key player in many of the most important matches. Plus, he's a hard-working, team-oriented player who has leadership qualities and is never a problem in the locker room. I think all the coaches and clubs are more than happy to have that player on the team.

Would you understand if you were looking for a way out?

At this point in his career, after all he has won, it is normal for him to want to play and not sit on the bench. If he can play in Barcelona, ​​I think that's the first option for him. But if Ivan and Barcelona feel it is time to move on, which is a normal thing in soccer, I have no doubt that it would be a great addition to any great club, because it still has a lot of good soccer in it. And if you move from Barcelona, ​​I am sure you will be very proud of your time there because you had a wonderful six years there. When you spend your best years playing for a great club and winning great trophies, that means you managed your career well.

What message do you send to Spanish fans?

Enjoy soccer. I think we all realized how much we miss football and therefore we must protect it as much as we can. Soccer is not the same without the fans, but at this point we have to protect the health of the players first, secondly we have to protect our competitions and finally when the circumstances are right let's go back to soccer with the fans . I know that Spain was hit hard during the epidemic and I only wish health to all the Spanish fans and their families. I send my regards to my colleague, President Luis Rubiales. I am sure he can lead Spanish football in this difficult period.

Would you like to preside over a Spanish club?

Ha ha, that's a great question! At this point, I enjoy my position as President of the Croatian Football Federation. We have many great projects underway, including organizing soccer camps for Croatian players in the United States, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Australia and other countries with a strong Croatian diaspora. We have a small population compared to Germany, Spain, France, Italy or England, so we must identify all talented Croatian players in all corners of the world. Therefore, my focus is on my current job as well as my role on the UEFA Executive Committee. But who knows what the future will bring: I loved my time in Spain, those were the best years of my career. I love going back to Seville and Madrid and seeing my friends across the country. I loved the Spanish lifestyle, the cuisine, the culture and, most of all, Spanish football, which I consider the best in the world, both at the national team and club level.

How do you think the UEFA Executive Committee acted in this period?

I am happy that football has returned to most countries and I hope it will win the fight against COVID-19 so that we can have full stadiums again. I think the European football family showed great unity in this difficult period, with President Ceferin playing a key role with his leadership. The UEFA Executive Committee and all the UEFA member associations showed great unity and solidarity, which is very important in these difficult circumstances.

They may be the first European country to finish men's, women's and futsal competitions …

We are very happy with the fact that we were able to restart the competition in our First Division in men's, women's and futsal leagues and, as it says, we may be the only European country to finish all three competitions. I have to thank our Medical Committee led by dr. Dragan Primorac and the Institute of Public Health Teaching led by dr. Zvonimir Šoštar, his great work. We believe that our test model was one of the best in Europe and is the reason why our return to football has been so successful. After the club season is over, we hope to see our national team return to action in September – we haven't had national team soccer since November last year, and I think all fans really lack that excitement and pride they feel when Croatia plays.