Fabio Cannavaro (foto: Getty Images)
Nenad Bjelica set to return as Dinamo Zagreb’s head coach, beating out big international names like Fabio Cannavaro and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Nenad Bjelica is expected to be confirmed as Dinamo Zagreb’s new head coach shortly. The news broke on Wednesday, with only a few minor details reportedly left to settle between Bjelica and Union Berlin, regarding compensation owed to him after his dismissal last season.
It’s clear that Dinamo will have a new coach by Saturday’s match against Lokomotiva, with the possibility of Bjelica already taking the reins. What’s certain is that Bjelica will be on the bench for Dinamo’s critical clash against Monaco in the Champions League at Maksimir Stadium next Wednesday. Monaco, who defeated Barcelona in their first group match, presents a tough challenge, but a positive atmosphere in the dressing room could lead to Dinamo’s first points in Europe.
Interestingly, sources have revealed that Dinamo was in discussions with some high-profile global football figures before deciding on Bjelica. Fabio Cannavaro was a serious option, sparking excitement about potential face-offs with Gennaro Gattuso, while Ruud van Nistelrooy, former PSV manager and current assistant to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, was also linked to the role.
In the end, Bjelica’s return was seen as the most secure and logical choice for the club, calming concerns among fans about past tensions.