Bilic is back: bravery and belief underpin second coming as Croatia manager
Slaven Bilic has returned as Croatia's manager after 14 years away, replacing the highly successful Zlatko Dalic, who led the nation to second and third-place finishes at consecutive World Cups. Bilic, who managed Croatia from 2006 to 2012, brings a more dominating, attacking style compared to his predecessor's cautious, counter-attacking approach. His return matters because he laid the foundation for Croatia's recent golden era, including the famous 3-2 victory at Wembley in 2007, and is now tasked with maintaining the team's World Cup pedigree.
At 58 years old, Bilic has begun his second spell with mixed results: a 2-1 victory against Czechia last Saturday was followed by a 4-1 defeat to Spain in which he rotated heavily. His tactical philosophy differs from Dalic's approach, as the previous manager favoured waiting and counter-attacking, while Bilic wants his team to press high and take more risks through the midfield. He faces England in a Nations League match in Rijeka on Saturday, a timely test for a manager attempting to prove himself after 23 months without work.
- Bilic returns as Croatia manager after 14 years, replacing World Cup finalist Dalic.
- The 58-year-old former West Ham manager wants a more attacking, dominant approach.
- After beating Czechia 2-1, Bilic faces England in the Nations League on Saturday.
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Slaven Bilic, a 58-year-old former football manager, has returned to lead Croatia's national team after 14 years away. He previously managed the country from 2006 to 2012, when he oversaw a period that laid important groundwork for what would become one of European football's most impressive recent campaigns.
Bilic replaces Zlatko Dalic, who led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and the 2022 semi-finals. Dalic favoured a cautious, counter-attacking approach, whereas Bilic is known for implementing a more attacking style where teams press high and take greater risks through midfield.
Bilic's return comes as Croatia attempts to maintain its strong World Cup record in recent years. His attacking, high-pressing style represents a tactical shift from Dalic's counter-attacking approach, offering a new direction for the nation's football.