Livakovic given Croatia chance to restore match fitness after Barcelona wait

Dominik Livakovic has been included in the Croatia squad for four Nations League fixtures, giving the new Barcelona goalkeeper the opportunity to regain his match sharpness despite not yet making his competitive debut for the Catalan club.

Croatia will begin their campaign against Czech Republic in Prague on 26 September before travelling to Seville to face Spain three days later. They will then host England in Rijeka on 3 October and complete the sequence with a second meeting against Spain, this time in Split, on 6 October.

Livakovic’s return to the national team comes at a significant moment in his club career. The goalkeeper joined Barcelona but has yet to play a competitive match for the club, prompting Croatia manager Slaven Bilic to stress the importance of regular playing time.

Bilic said he had spoken with Livakovic about his situation and that the goalkeeper had sought his advice.

“We talked, he called me twice. He asked for my opinion about his situation, and from my side I told him that he did not have to justify anything.”

The Croatia manager described Livakovic’s move to Barcelona as a major step for the player and for Croatian goalkeeping.

“No Croatian goalkeeper has ever moved to a club of this size.”

However, Bilic also underlined the demands placed on a goalkeeper who is not his club’s first choice. He said Livakovic needed to be ready to play at any moment.

“On the other hand, you have to play. When you are the second goalkeeper, you may be brought in at any time, and you have to remain constantly prepared.”

Despite the lack of competitive action for Barcelona, Bilic said Livakovic continued to enjoy a strong position within the Croatia set-up. He pointed to the goalkeeper’s performances for the national side in recent years, including periods when he was not playing regularly for his club.

“He has a great record with the national team. He produced excellent performances for us even when he was not playing for Girona, but you have to play,” Bilic said, according to Catalan newspaper Sport.

The four international fixtures could therefore provide Livakovic with an important run of games while he waits for his opportunity at Barcelona. The matches will also place him directly against several of his new club team-mates.

Spain’s squad for the meetings in Seville and Split is expected to include a number of Barcelona players, meaning Livakovic could face familiar opponents on both occasions.

Croatia’s match against England in Rijeka could also bring another meeting with a player known to Livakovic, as the goalkeeper may come up against Anthony Gordon.

The schedule offers Livakovic a demanding return to international football, with two games against Spain, alongside matches against Czech Republic and England, all taking place within a short period. For Bilic, the priority is clear: Livakovic remains trusted by Croatia, but must continue to play and stay prepared while competing for his place at Barcelona.