Slaven Bilic returns as Croatia manager following Zlatko Dalic’s resignation after the World Cup, taking charge again 14 years on with a mandate to rebuild after a controversial early exit and to steer the national team toward Euro 2028.
Bilic appointed Croatia manager: what happened and why it matters
Slaven Bilic has been reappointed as Croatia head coach after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following Croatia’s premature World Cup exit. The federation has handed Bilic the job with an eye on restoring momentum and reshaping a squad that underperformed amid controversy in the last tournament.
This is a clear signal that Croatia wants an experienced, nationally resonant figure to lead preparations for Euro 2028.
Immediate context: World Cup exit and Dalic’s legacy
Croatia were eliminated in the round of 32 after a 2-1 defeat by Portugal, a match overshadowed by a last-gasp equaliser ruled out by a marginal offside call tied to ball-sensor technology. The fallout accelerated Zlatko Dalic’s departure; his nine-year reign delivered Croatia’s finest international moments — a 2018 World Cup final and third place in 2022 — and left the squad in need of fresh direction.
Why Bilic is the choice
Bilic’s return blends pedigree and national mythology. A standout defender in Croatia’s 1998 World Cup third-place team, he first managed the national side from 2006 to 2012, compiling an impressive record and memorable wins, notably the 3-2 victory at Wembley in 2007 that denied England a European Championship appearance.
His club résumé — including West Ham and West Brom in the Premier League and recent work in Saudi Arabia with Al Fateh — adds senior-level tactical and man-management experience.
What Bilic brings tactically and culturally
Bilic is a manager who expects intensity, organization, and a clear identity. That profile matters for Croatia: the squad boasts world-class midfield creativity but has shown intermittent defensive lapses and tactical drift. Bilic’s strengths in building compact, resilient teams should stabilize the backline while preserving the attacking freedoms of Croatia’s elite midfielders. Culturally, his reputation and past service to the nation give him credibility in the dressing room and among supporters.
Short-term tasks: selection, staff and the Euro 2028 roadmap
Bilic inherits a squad at a crossroads. Immediate priorities will include assembling his coaching staff, evaluating aging stars versus emerging talent, and re-establishing defensive shape. With Euro 2028 hosted across the UK and Republic of Ireland, Croatia has time to rebuild — but not to be complacent. Qualification cycles and Nations League fixtures will offer testing grounds for tactical tweaks and squad renewal.
Squad decisions to watch
Key questions: how Bilic manages veterans who powered past successes, whether he integrates younger prospects aggressively, and how he addresses set-piece vulnerability and transitional defending. Expect careful rotation initially, with a focus on reinstating discipline without stifling creativity in midfield.
Longer-term outlook: realistic expectations
Bilic’s return is pragmatic rather than revolutionary. It signals a preference for steady reconstruction built on continuity with Croatian football culture. Success will be judged on improved consistency, defensive solidity, and a credible qualification campaign for Euro 2028. If Bilic can marry tactical pragmatism with the squad’s creative assets, Croatia will remain a formidable presence in major tournaments.
What could happen next
In the coming months Bilic will define his staff, schedule friendly tests, and start squad evaluations. Early results will shape public perception quickly: positive performances will buy time for structural changes; disappointing signs could restart debates about direction.
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For now, Bilic’s task is clear — restore order, set a tactical baseline, and chart a credible path to Euro 2028.
The Independent
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