Chapter 129: The New Season’s Substitutes

Maximir Stadium – Croatia vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina Friendly Match! "HAHAHAHAHAHA~~~!!!" "They conceded! They conceded!!" "Did you see Srna's faceplant? That was epic!" Dujmović and Pranjić were laughing so hard they were doubled over, slapping the railing in front of them and nearly crying from laughter. On the pitch, Darijo Srna, wearing the number 22 jersey, was scrambling back in defense in a clumsy fashion. Seeing him like that only made them laugh harder. "What's so funny about that?"Mandžukić didn't get it. Sure, the fall looked a bit awkward, but was it really that hilarious? "They're just jealous,"Suker bluntly pointed out the truth. "Bullshit!" "Jealous? Me?"The two snapped back angrily in unison. Suker smirked."Look at your jealous faces." The two launched into an aggressive rebuttal. Suker just shrugged. Ever since Srna had been called up to the national team, these two had been green with envy. On May 29, just days before the Euros, national team's starting defender Robert Kovač from Bayern Munich got injured. Head coach Barić was forced to call up another defender. Thanks to his excellent performance last season, Srna got the call. He was the first among Suker's group of teammates to be selected for the national team. Of course, Srna was still a substitute, but since it was just a friendly match, everyone had a chance to play. Judging from his performance, though, Srna didn't seem to be in top form. Suker could tell that Srna was playing uncomfortably. At Dinamo Zagreb, Srna was more of an attacking "fourth defender." When Suker applied pressure in the half-space, it opened up a lane for Srna to make overlapping runs. But in the Croatian national team, winger Pršo didn't apply as much pressure on the flank and occupied the wide space, leaving Srna with no room to overlap. And on defense, Pršo didn't track back nearly as much as Suker did, leaving Srna exposed. As a result, he had become the team's biggest defensive weakness. Bosnia kept launching attacks down the left flank, relentlessly testing Croatia's defense. Fortunately, the "Checkerboard Army's" center-backs were solid. Šimunić was like a god on the pitch, dominating aerial duels and clearing the danger again and again. Up front, Šokota provided a target, and Croatia ultimately won the match thanks to a goal by Pršo. After the friendly, Srna walked off the pitch with his head hanging. "That guy's got it rough,"Dujmović sighed."Even though he made the national team, it was too sudden, and he hasn't found his role yet." "Yeah, he looked so constrained out there," Vukojević shook his head. "The counterattacks were too slow." "Well, it's the national team. Unlike clubs that train together all the time and build chemistry, it's tough to develop that in a short span." "With that performance, he's probably staying a sub." "Come on, let's head back for training." They left the stadium and returned to the training base by taxi. The season had just ended, so their training was mostly for maintenance. Their bodies needed rest, but they also needed to gradually adjust and prepare for the new season. The break wasn't long—only two months. The new season would kick off on July 16, and on July 17, the first round of Champions League qualification would begin, so they had to be ready early. Training camp was scheduled to start on June 30, two weeks in advance. The UEFA Champions League consists of qualification rounds, group stages, and knockouts. The 16 group-stage spots for top-ranked leagues (like the top five) are fixed. The other 16 group-stage spots are earned via three rounds of qualification. First Round:28 champions from lower-ranked leagues play home-and-away legs. The 14 winners move to the second round. Second Round:14 new teams join the 14 from the first round. Again, home-and-away legs determine who goes to the third round. Third Round:A total of 32 teams now compete, including some from top leagues—this round often includes elite clubs. This round is the toughest hurdle before reaching the group stage. Many teams from weaker leagues breeze through the first two rounds, only to be knocked out in the third round by powerhouses. Only 16 winners from the third round advance to the group stage with the already-qualified elite teams. Which means for Dinamo Zagreb to reach the Champions League group stage, they'll have to go through three rounds, six matches in total! And to succeed, they'll need skill, form, and a whole lot of luck. "Man, it's a long road,"Suker couldn't help but sigh. The Euro tournament was underway. Unfortunately for Croatia, their journey ended in the group stage. After three matches, they finished with two draws and a loss, failing to qualify. Even though they managed a draw with France, against England they were undone by Rooney's explosiveness, who scored twice. Midfield duo Gerrard and Lampard also netted long-range goals. In the end, this post-golden generation Croatian team finished third in the group, crashing out early. After the match, the Croatian Football Association quickly announced that coach Barić had taken responsibility and resigned. 48-year-old Kranjčar was named interim head coach. A new coach often brings big changes. However, Kranjčar didn't reshuffle the squad, instead rebuilding the support staff—from coaching to logistics, all personnel were replaced. He said he wanted to "plant seeds in a new environment" and give fans hope for the future of the Croatian national team. Srna returned to the club the day after the national team was eliminated. For a while, he seemed quite depressed. His performance—and the team's—had been poor. It was a blow to his confidence. But after spending time with his teammates and talking things out, he gradually pulled himself out of the slump. "You should be glad Kranjčar didn't touch the first team. Otherwise, you'd be the first to get axed!" Dujmović still had that jealous tone. "Let him cut me. I don't even want to stay in that national team!" Srna grumbled. "Did someone bully you?" Suker asked curiously. Srna shook his head."No, not really. The atmosphere is just toxic—little cliques, backstabbing... Šimunić goes out drinking all the time. He even went out the night before we played England." Suker was shocked. "And Barić allowed that?" "Šimunić was his protégé. He let him do whatever he wanted," Srna sighed. "Kranjčar isn't much better. If it were me, I'd tear the team down and start over!" Suker was speechless. Not everyone is like Bešić, he thought. And total rebuilds are risky. They got lucky, but others might end up rotting in some obscure league. "Don't think about it anymore—focus on the club,"Modrić reminded them."The Champions League qualifiers are just around the corner!" July 1 marked the end of the break for Dinamo Zagreb. They began their two-week training camp, preparing for war. The Croatian league wasn't much, but the Champions League was another story. This would be a brand-new experience—facing clubs from other countries with completely different styles. No one knew how they'd perform. When Suker and the others arrived at the training ground, it was already buzzing. The reserves had arrived early to begin their sessions. This season, Dinamo Zagreb signed six new players: Danijel Subašić Nikica Jelavić Ivan Strinić Ivan Rakitić Gordon Schildenfeld Vedran Ćorluka When Suker first saw them, he was dumbfounded. Bešić practically signed the future Croatian national team! Several of these players would go on to be part of the 2018 World Cup runner-up squad. Suker had to admit—this guy had an incredible eye for talent. But of course, these were still the youth versions of those stars. Take Rakitić for example—just a 16-year-old kid at this point. Their arrival caught the attention of the new recruits. These newcomers were all stars at their respective clubs. They joined Dinamo not only because the offer was good, but also because they'd get real playing time here. Suker and the others were living proof. Bešić was a coach who trusted young players. "Man, the way they're looking at us is annoying,"Dujmović muttered. Suker shrugged."They're eyeing your spot in the starting lineup." "They've got a long way to go!" Dujmović said proudly. Suker smiled. Talent aside, these new guys were still green kids. Meanwhile, Suker's group had just spent an entire season dominating the Croatian league. Still, the new boys were ambitious. Suker and the others knew—as soon as there's an opening, these guys will pounce without hesitation.