Ahead of today's training, defensive midfielder Niko Kovač stated: "It’s a pleasure to be part of this team and work with the new coaching staff. This gathering is extremely important for us, especially with tough games ahead. Austria is a strong opponent, but we’re ready to give our best on the field. We’re focused on training and preparations in order to perform at our peak in the upcoming matches.

We have a few more days to get ready for the match, so it’s important to make the most of every training session. I believe in our team and our ability to achieve a positive result. These gatherings are opportunities to further refine our game and build the unity that will be crucial for us in the future."