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Slaven Bilić appointed head coach of Croatia again

(Photo: joshjdss/CC BY 2.0)

Slaven Bilić (57) has been appointed as the new head coach of Croatia, returning to the national team bench after more than a decade away.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Zagreb on Monday, where the Croatian Football Federation confirmed that Bilić will replace Zlatko Dalić and begin a new chapter in charge of the national side.

“I have the complete confidence in our players, and it is my responsibility to bring energy, ambition, and determination to ensure that Croatia remains among football’s elite. I am genuinely happy to start this challenge and I feel fully prepared for it – as a more mature and experienced coach than in 2006, yet with the same motivation and desire to see Croatia stay powerful, bold, and successful,” Bilić said. 

When quizzed about Luka Modrić, Bilić said he would love for the captain to stay but that Modrić will make that decision.

Bilić began his managerial career with Hajduk Split in 2001 before taking charge of Croatia’s Under-21 team.

He then became manager of the Croatia national team, leading the side from 2006 to 2012 and achieving his biggest success by reaching the UEFA Euro 2008 quarter-finals.

He was also in charge for a memorable win against England at Wembley Stadium in 2007 which meant England did not qualify for the tournament. 

After leaving Croatia, Bilić managed clubs across Europe and beyond, including Lokomotiv Moscow, Beşiktaş, and West Ham United.

He guided West Ham to a seventh-place Premier League finish in 2015–16 and later helped West Bromwich Albion earn promotion to the Premier League in 2020.

His career has also included spells with Al-Ittihad, Beijing Guoan, Watford, and Al-Fateh.

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