Croatia appoint new handball coach

ZAGREB, 28 January 2021 – The Croatian men’s handball team has a new coach after Lino Čevar stepped down this week following Croatia’s early exit at the 2021 World Championships in Egypt. 

Croatia failed to reach the quarterfinals after losses to Argentina and Denmark in the second round. 

On Thursday, the Croatian Handball Federation confirmed that the Čevar’s assistant, Hrvoje Horvat, will take over as coach of the senior men’s team. 

The Board of Directors accepted Čevar’s resignation and their were three candidates for the job – Horvat, Slavko Goluža and Ivano Balić.  

Hrvoje Horvat (Photo: © Jozo Cabraja / kolektiff)

“After an exhaustive discussion and detailed analysis of each of the candidates, it was determined that Ivano Balić, unfortunately, does not have the necessary diploma to perform the function. Of the two remaining candidates, the Board decided by a majority vote to appoint Hrvoje Horvat as selector of the Croatian men’s senior national team,” the federation said. 

“Thanks to the Board of Directors for trusting me. I am extremely happy. I would also like to thank the entire Croatian Handball Federation for these eight years of working with younger age groups, and as Lino Červar’s assistant. Through all these years, I have gathered a lot of experience and knowledge, and I believe that it will help me lead the Croatian men’s senior national team. Thanks, of course, to Mr. Lino Cervar for proposing me. I am aware of how much responsibility and obligation it is, but I believe that I can respond to all challenges and successfully lead Croatia,” Horvat said. 

Lino Čevar (Photo credit: © Jozo Cabraja / kolektiff)

Čevar coached Croatia from 2002 – 2010 and then again from 2017 until this week. In 2003, he guided Croatia to gold in the 2003 World Championship, as well as to gold at the 2004 Olympics.