Croatia manager concerned over Dominik Livakovic’s lack of minutes at Barcelona: ‘Not good’

Croatia manager concerned over Dominik Livakovic’s lack of minutes at Barcelona: ‘Not good’ Dominik Livakovic arrived at Barcelona in the recent summer transfer window as one of the surprises, signing until 2030 for a fee of just €2 million plus variables. With Wojciech Szczesny looking less and less convincing as a backup goalkeeping option, the move was seen as a much-needed one to bring in a reliable deputy for Joan Garcia. Since arriving, the star has understandably seen very few minutes, for Garcia is the number one choice by quite some distance. He did, however, make his debut for Barcelona against Sevilla. Once the Copa del Rey begins later in the season, however, one can expect him to earn more prominence should he prove his reliability to the manager. After all, that has traditionally been the competition for Barcelona’s backup goalkeepers to earn their minutes over the years. Croatia NT manager hits out at Livakovic’s lack of minutes Livakovic has only played one game for Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Speaking to the media ahead of Croatia’s games in the ongoing international break, the national team manager Slaven Bilic opened up on the Barcelona goalkeeper’s situation and how it was far from ideal. The manager expressed his frank disapproval of Livakovic’s lack of minutes and admitted that the situation was concerning from the national team perspective. “It’s not good that he doesn’t play. He can train very well in Barcelona, but he needs minutes.” He did admit that even just training with Barcelona was something that keeps the player at a high level, yet stressed that actual minutes are critical. “They are Barcelona training sessions, where Lamine Yamal shoots you, but it is not the same. He has performed very well, but we will see what happens.” The Copa del Rey may change his fortune. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website) Still a part of the plans Dousing rumours before they even arise, Bilic stressed that the Barcelona star was still a part of the international dynamics, and that his thoughts were about the longer-term decision. “Livakovic is still among our internationals. In the long term, it is a question that we must value. We will decide what is best.” Finally, he praised the player for earning a big-money move to Barcelona, while also maintaining that he must still push for minutes along the way. “Never had a Croatian goalkeeper arrived at such a big club. But he has to play.” Source:  SPORT