Ivica Olić is the new coach of the U-21 Croatia national team

In September, the Croatian U-21 national team continues the qualifiers for the 2025 European Championship in Slovakia with two home matches. The first match against the Faroe Islands is scheduled for September 5, while the second match will be played on September 10 against Portugal. The young national team will be led by Ivica Olić, who took over from Dragan Skočić as coach.

When taking office, Olić met with president Kustić and technical director of the A and U-21 national team Stipe Pletikosa at the headquarters of the Association.

Until taking over the role of coach of the U-21 national team, Olić worked as a coach in the staff of the Croatian A national team, and as an assistant coach to Zlatko Dalić, he participated in winning a silver medal at the World Championship in Russia, a bronze medal at the World Championship in Qatar, and a silver medal in the UEFA Nations League. In addition to working in the professional staff of the A selection, Olić was also a coach to CSKA from Moscow.

"I am extremely proud and honored to have been given the opportunity to lead the young Croatian national team, and I thank president Kustić and the management of HNS for their trust. I look forward to working with our talented players and believe that together we will be successful, as well as that we will finish the current season in the right way cycle and qualify for the European Championship. Our young team has great potential, and my goal is to provide them with the necessary support and guidance to develop their talents and achieve the success they deserve. I have always believed in the power of teamwork and togetherness, and I am sure that with work, effort and dedication, we will achieve our goals, both in terms of good results and the development of players for the senior national team", said the new coach of the U-21 national team, Ivica Olić.

"I am sure that in Ivica we found an excellent solution for our young national team. He built a rich football career on dedicated work, perseverance and self-belief, and we want to see these values ​​in our young players as well. As Zlatko Dalić's first assistant, he participated in the biggest successes of Croatian football and I am convinced that his leadership will bring new energy and success to our young national team. Ivica has worked with great coaches and players, played in big clubs and at the highest possible level, and such experience will be invaluable for our young team. national team. We wish him a lot of luck and success in this position", said HNS president Marijan Kustić.

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