What's happened
Slaven Bilic has returned to lead Croatia, taking over a team that exited the World Cup in the Round of 32 after a 2-1 loss to Portugal. Dalic has stepped down after nearly a decade in charge, and Bilic is set to guide Croatia toward Euro 2028.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Bilic is taking over a team with recent European exposure and a blend of experienced internationals and rising talents, aiming to stabilize after a turbulent World Cup exit.
- The move signals a focus on continuity and experience, trusting Bilic’s knowledge of Croatian players and international competition.
- This transition could impact player selection, tactical approach, and preparations for Euro 2028, especially given the new federation leadership and recent managerial turnover.
- Readers should watch for how Bilic adapts his defensive solidity and match management to fit a post-World Cup squad, and how injuries or club commitments affect selection.
How we got here
Bilic previously coached Croatia from 2006–2012, led West Ham and West Brom in the Premier League, and most recently managed Al Fateh in Saudi Arabia. He inherits a squad rebuilding after a World Cup exit and a controversial offside decision that ended Croatia’s campaign.
Our analysis
Independent reports Bilic has returned after 14 years away, with Dalic stepping down after leading Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and 2022 third place. AP News corroborates the timeline and quotes Bilic on readiness. BBC adds details on Bilic’s prior coaching spells and the World Cup exit.
Go deeper
- Will Bilic retain key stars from the Dalic era?
- How will Croatia adjust tactically under Bilic in the run-up to Euro 2028?
- What role will federation leadership play in Bilic’s long-term plan?
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Croatia - Country in the Balkans
Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia, is a country in Southeast Europe. It borders Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro to the southeast, sharing a maritime border with Ital
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France - Country in Europe
France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
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Saudi Arabia - Country in the Middle East
Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.