• Dejan Lovren is one of the key figures for Croatia's national team

• The team are aiming to repeat the heroics of 2018 and go far as possible in Qatar

• The centre-back spoke exclusively to FIFA

Dejan Lovren was a key member of Zlatko Dalic’s side at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, where his on-pitch displays and leadership qualities helped Croatia reach the Final.

While the 4-2 defeat to France was a huge disappointment, the outpouring of affection from the Croatian fans for their idols offered genuine consolation. Dejan Lovren was undoubtedly amongst those lauded and, at 33, will try to bring his experience to help the team compete strongly at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

The former Liverpool defender, currently at Zenit St Petersburg, may not have as prominent a role in Dalic’s side in Qatar, with his focus instead on passing on everything he has learnt during a stellar career at club and international level.

FIFA spoke to the Croatian star about his expectations going into this World Cup and the importance of the experience he gained in 2018.

Dejan Lovren: Of course. Maybe even bigger. As I get older and closer to the end of my career, I've learned to appreciate even more each professional fixture – let alone those in major competitions. Looking back at the last World Cup in Russia, it’s something we'll never forget, and it makes me believe we can achieve great things again.

Well, yes. It all happened so quickly. We only had three days to prepare for the game. We were completely worn out, both mentally and physically. Our success made history but the weight of responsibility was on our shoulders. We thought luck might help us in the final but France were stronger and deserved the victory. Maybe the football we played was attractive but, in the end, it didn’t lead us to victory.

Croatia has an experienced defence – in the group stage, we only conceded four goals. It’s nice to hear that our teamwork is appreciated. When I talk about the defence, I’m talking about the entire team. The football we play is fast-paced, attractive, and there isn't too much time to think. At any given moment, players have to be in their positions and ready to defend. I usually praise both the defence and the goalkeeper, but I also have to commend the attacking players too because they do a lot of work for us, as well as the central midfielders

Of course, there are lots of us. It's nice to hear that. I don't need the captain's armband but I’m always happy to help my team, as it’s really important. Luka is our leader on the pitch, I’m the leader in the dressing room before the match, and there’s Vida at the end of the game. It’s really important to have that type of a leader. But it’s not just leaders that count, but also the rest of the team who follow the example we set. That’s how we create new captains. But there are still several players in the team who played in the final in 2018.

Definitely, it's very important. We know what to expect. The group will definitely be tough because there aren't any easy opponents at the World Cup. We can say we have a slight advantage in that regard, but we also have new blood – young players eager to prove themselves. I think this combination will create the perfect mix.

Well, I'd advise you to never write Luka off. Back in 2018, he also said it would be his last World Cup and his last Champions League, so I believe he has much more to offer the team and European football. We all know what kind of player he is, he doesn’t need any introduction. Every day he shows that we can learn a lot from him because he really lives for football. After every match, he checks the analysis, looks for his bad passes, tries to see what he could have done better. It strikes me, and other players too. It’s great to see that even at 36, nearly 37, he still lives for football and gives his best.

It’s very important. I was 14 when I arrived at Dinamo. They accepted me as if I was one of them. It wasn't easy balancing school and football but, in the end, we managed to work everything out. Dinamo gave a lot to me, and I'll always be grateful. They have an amazing academy which has produced some excellent players. I not only want to recognise Dinamo, but all the other clubs too. There are several players from Hajduk, Osijek, Rijeka in Zadar. It's really nice to see we have great academies all around Croatia.

I think so, and we discovered in 1998 and 2018 how important our national team is, especially in football. We got people on their feet again. I can say that I've experienced it twice so it’s obviously very special for us. We also had some difficult situations 25 or 30 years ago because of the war. So, this is a real triumph. When Croatia play, everyone is on our side.

Zlatko is there for us, body and soul. For the national team too. In 2018, he was so emotional, and it’s something I'll never forget. He’s a good man and deserves everything he’s achieved in life. Everything he gave finally came back to him in a good way. It hasn’t been easy for him, though. He had a difficult time at different clubs too. But in the end, if you fight for football and in life, and if you have such strong faith in God like he does, you'll always be rewarded.

Croatia: Defining a Nation | 1998 FIFA World Cup France™ Croatia | All runners-up goals | 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Luka Modric | Golden Ball Award | 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Dreams | The Official Film of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ Best Goals | Russia 2018 Best Assists | Russia 2018 Best Saves | Russia 2018 Best Skills | Russia 2018