The Croatia Football Federation is poised to finalize the future of its national team coaching staff. Slaven Bilic, aged 57, has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Zlatko Dalic, 59, whose contract expired after the team’s exit from the World Cup following a 1-2 defeat to Portugal.
Preparations for this transition have been underway for several weeks, as it became increasingly clear that Dalic’s tenure was coming to an end.
He has received multiple offers from the Middle East, including one from the United Arab Emirates national team, reportedly worth €5 million per season.
Slaven Bilic to Return as Croatia’s National Team Coach
According to Sportske Novosti, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has identified Bilic as their preferred choice to return to the role he left in 2012.
The executive committee of the federation has already discussed this possibility internally and convened again after the match against Portugal to finalize their direction.
Initially, the leadership led by Marijan Kustic was willing to wait for Dalic’s decision, even attempting to persuade him to stay. However, as time progressed, the federation felt compelled to devise an alternative plan. The decision came down to two names: Slaven Bilic and Ivica Olic, aged 46.
Bilic Preferred Over Olic for the Coaching Role
Bilic has stood out as the candidate who brings experience, authority, and a deep understanding of the national team.
To validate their choice, HNS reportedly held informal discussions with most players before the World Cup to gauge their opinions on Bilic’s potential return. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the federation’s confidence.
Bilic previously took charge of the national team following the 2006 World Cup, laying the groundwork for the generation that would go on to win silver and bronze medals in subsequent World Cups. The federation believes he is the ideal person to initiate a new cycle.
While no one from the federation wishes to publicly confirm the change out of respect for Dalic, who is regarded as the greatest coach in Croatian football history, it is expected that he will announce his final decision by next Wednesday. Should his departure be confirmed, Bilic’s appointment is anticipated to follow shortly after.
Ivica Olic Viewed as a Future Asset
As for Ivica Olic, he is seen as a future asset, with his career potentially progressing naturally to take over the under-21 national team, preparing him to eventually step up to the senior squad.
His strong relationship with Bilic is believed to facilitate a long-term plan to keep Croatia competitive on the world football stage while managing the legacy left by Dalic.
