Slaven Bilić appointed head coach of the Croatia National Team

Following the departure of Zlatko Dalić, Slaven Bilić will once again take charge of the Vatreni, having previously led Croatia from 2006 to 2012. The decision was made by the HNS Executive Board after receiving the full support of the Federation's Technical Committee ahead of the Executive Board meeting.

"Once again, I would like to thank Zlatko for the outstanding results he achieved during his tenure. We fully respect and understand his decision to conclude his era as Croatia's head coach after this FIFA World Cup. Succeeding Zlatko is no easy task, but we are convinced that Slaven is the right person for the role. He is a celebrated former international with extensive experience as both a club coach and national team manager. I am confident he enjoys the full support of our players, supporters, and the Croatian public as he leads Croatia towards new successes. I warmly welcome Slaven back and assure him of the Federation's full support. I sincerely wish him every success and the best of luck in this new chapter as Croatia's head coach," said HNS President Marijan Kustić.

"I would like to thank President Kustić and the Federation's leadership for their trust and for giving me the opportunity to once again lead the Croatian national team. It is the greatest honour any Croatian coach can receive. I am fully aware of the high expectations following the remarkable era under Zlatko Dalić, but anyone who coaches Croatia must be prepared for that. We are a football nation that lives for its national team. I have great faith in the players at our disposal, and it is my responsibility to bring energy, ambition, and determination to ensure Croatia remains among football's elite. I am truly excited about this challenge and feel completely ready for it—as a more mature and experienced coach than I was in 2006, but with the same motivation and desire to make Croatia a powerful, courageous, and successful team," said Croatia head coach Slaven Bilić.

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