Slaven Bilić (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Slaven Bilić has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second time, saying he returns as a more experienced and better manager than in 2006.
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Slaven Bilić has officially returned as
Croatia's head coach after the
Croatian Football Federation (HNS) confirmed his appointment as the successor to
Zlatko Dalić.
The 57-year-old begins his second spell in charge of the national team, having previously led Croatia between 2006 and 2012. Speaking after his appointment, Bilić said he is returning as a far more complete coach than he was two decades ago.
"I want to thank president Marijan Kustić and the federation's leadership for their trust and for giving me the opportunity to lead the Croatia national team once again. It is the greatest honour for any Croatian coach," Bilić said.
Ready for the pressure
Bilić acknowledged the high expectations that follow Dalić's highly successful tenure but insisted he is prepared for the challenge.
"I'm fully aware of the expectations after Zlatko Dalić's outstanding period in charge, but anyone who coaches Croatia must be ready for that pressure. I have complete faith in the players available to us, and my job is to bring energy, ambition and determination so Croatia remains among the world's top football nations."
He also reflected on how much he has evolved since taking over the national team for the first time.
"I'm truly excited about this challenge. I feel completely ready because today I'm a much more mature and experienced coach than I was in 2006, while my desire to see Croatia strong, brave and successful remains exactly the same."
A familiar face returns
During his first spell in charge, Bilić guided Croatia to UEFA Euro 2008 and UEFA Euro 2012, with the team producing one of the tournament's standout performances at Euro 2008 by reaching the quarter-finals after winning all three group-stage matches.
His side also became famous for defeating England twice during the qualification campaign, while several players he introduced later formed the backbone of the Croatia squad that reached the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.
Vast coaching experience
Since leaving the national team, Bilić has managed clubs across Europe and Asia, including Lokomotiv Moscow, Beşiktaş, West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Beijing Guoan, Watford and Al Fateh.
He earned promotion to the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion in 2020 and now returns to international football after more than a decade of experience across several leagues and football cultures.
The HNS confirmed that president Marijan Kustić proposed Bilić's appointment, with the federation's executive board approving the decision unanimously.