​Slaven Bilic is poised to make a sensational return as Croatia’s manager, as the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) prepares to officially name him as Zlatko Dalic’s successor on Monday. The HNS Executive Board is set to convene at 13:00 local time, and Bilic is anticipated to be introduced to the media an hour later if his appointment secures final approval. Ahead of the board meeting, the federation’s Professional Commission, chaired by Bozidar Sikic, will convene to grant the green light for the former West Ham United boss to take charge of the national team once again.
Bilic previously enjoyed a successful spell in charge of Croatia, leading the national team from 2006 to 2012. During this period, he oversaw 42 victories in 65 matches, along with 14 draws and nine defeats. His first tenure featured a memorable run at Euro 2008, where Croatia reached the quarter-finals before a heart-breaking penalty shootout defeat to Turkey. The team then failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and exited Euro 2012 at the group stage after being drawn with Spain, Italy, and the Republic of Ireland.
Now at 57, Bilic will inherit a Croatia side that has enjoyed a golden era under Dalic. Dalic guided the team to a World Cup final in 2018, a World Cup semi-final in 2022, and a Nations League final appearance, cementing Croatia’s status among football’s global elite. Reports suggest Bilic has accepted a substantially lower salary than his predecessor, with his contract expected to be around €1 million gross per year. By contrast, Dalic’s previous deal reportedly earned him about €180,000 gross per month after his remarkable achievements with the national team.
The new Croatian coach is already focused on rebuilding and preserving the nation’s standing at the pinnacle of international football. Upon confirmation of his appointment, Bilic is expected to assemble his coaching staff, with longtime collaborator Dean Racunica among those linked to a position in his backroom team. Croatia will be looking to Bilic to begin another successful chapter and to extend the legacy established during Dalic’s remarkable eight-year reign.
As Bilic prepares to rejoin the Croatia fold, the football world will be watching closely to see how he steers a squad accustomed to success toward continued domestic and international glory. The moment of truth arrives with the impending official confirmation, signaling the start of a new era under a manager who has already left an indelible mark on Croatian football.