Slaven Bilic returns to take charge of Croatia for second time

[p]Dalic, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/croatia/K8aznggo/"]Croatia[/a]'s most successful coach, stepped down ‌last week after nine years in charge, after the side were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup by [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/portugal/WvJrjFVN/"]‌Portugal[/a] in the round of 32.[/p][p][b]"I have ⁠complete confidence in ‌our players and it is my responsibility to bring energy, ​ambition and determination to ensure Croatia remains among football's elite," [/b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/bilic-slaven/ttxiu0fC/"]Bilic[/a] said in a ​statement.[/p][p][b]"I am genuinely happy to begin this challenge and feel fully prepared for it - as a ⁠more mature and ​experienced coach than in 2006, but with the same motivation and desire to see Croatia remain powerful, bold and successful."[/b][/p][p]Bilic has been out of management since ‌leaving Saudi Pro League side [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/al-fateh/OIDqIbjd/"]Al Fateh[/a] in 2024, having overseen 36 matches during his lone season at the club.[/p][p]He brings extensive experience from English football, having managed [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/west-ham/Cxq57r8g/"]West Ham[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/west-brom/CCBWpzjj/"]West Bromwich Albion[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/watford/UmMRoGzp/"]Watford[/a], where he was dismissed after a five-month spell.[/p][p]He began his coaching career at [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/hajduk-split/2w5qgpq0/"]Hajduk Split[/a] in 2001 after retiring as a ‌player for the Croatian club a year earlier.[/p][p]As ​a player, Bilic won 44 caps for ‌Croatia and was a key member of the side that finished third at the 1998 World Cup in France.[/p][p]His immediate task will be to guide Croatia to Euro 2028 qualification before ⁠turning his attention to ⁠the 2030 World ‌Cup.[/p]