With Aljosa we have created a nice friendship and every time we meet at a Congress, or at some other UEFA event, we talk. So now that we are together at Sporting Etoile, after the draw for the world's top club trophy, we talked about the football that we love and serve so much...

DF: How are you now that you are an observer and a UEFA Ambassador?

R/: "I am very good. My role is not strictly linked with the office in Nyon, and I travel a lot as a technical observer, and as elite youth development adviser to several national associations. I am also often in my homeland Croatia and I am enjoying football from  different perspectives."

DF: Since we are talking about Croatia, how is the championship and its football in general

developing?

R/: "The Croatian championship is at a fairly good level. Teams like Hajduk, Dinamo Zagreb and Rijeka have made important investments, other teams improved as well, so the overall the potential has increased…”

DF: How are things with the academies?

R/: “Very good, Croatia is one of the finest examples of youth development in the world. Here I must mention Baturina as an example, a particularly talented footballer whom Como took for 20 million euros. There are many talents, we invest in the future and we see 15 and 16 year olds constantly improving. After all, they are the future and the new generation..”

DF: Will the Croatian national team be present at the 2026 World Cup?

R/: "We have a young team that is tied for first place with the Czech Republic, but the second has played one more game so far.. I believe that we are in a good position and we will continue our efforts..

DF: Let's go to the UEFA Champions League, how do you see the top competition developing this year, are there any favorites?

R/: "Of course, the “usual suspects” like Real Madrid, Bayern, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain will again be among the teams that will play a leading role. .."

DF: How do you judge the new format?

R/: "Excellent. As we have seen, it gives the opportunity to theoretically small teams to claim the best they can. We saw Paphos and Kairat manage to qualify for the first time in its history in the League phase. "

DF: What do you have to say about Paris' success?

R/: "Paris Saint-Germain has spent many millions over the past 20 years. They had superstars like Messi, Neymar, Mbappe, but their success was achieved when they invested in young players. Their coach, Luis Enrique, is great and has managed to create a TEAM, above all and everyone. And that is where their success lies, which they were unable to achieve in previous years."

DF: On September 22nd, we have the Ballon d'Or award ceremony, who do you predict will win it?

R/: "There are certainly several strong candidates, Yamal, Vitinha, but I think Dembele will  - prevail,who had an exceptionally good season.."

DF: Do you watch Greek football, what is your opinion?

R/: "Greek football has indeed progressed quite a bit. We saw the national team advance to the A’ division of the Nations League and of course Olympiacos conquer the Conference League… I know the fans are quite passionate, live for their teams and always expect more, but I see Greek football on the right track.”