The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has announced that Slaven Bilic has been unanimously appointed as the new head coach of the national team. The 57-year-old returns to the position he previously held between 2006 and 2012, stepping into the role after the departure of his predecessor, who resigned last week.
During his previous tenure, Bilic managed the squad through 65 matches, securing 42 wins, 15 draws, and eight defeats—a winning percentage that surpassed his predecessor’s record. His most notable achievement during that stint was reaching the quarter-finals of the 2008 European Championships, where the team was ultimately eliminated on penalties by Turkey. The predecessor departing the role leaves behind a legacy that includes a runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, a semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and a last-16 exit at Euro 2020. However, the team recently failed to advance past the group stage of this year’s World Cup, following a 2-1 loss to Portugal.
A former Croatian international with 44 caps, Bilic spent much of his playing career with Hajduk Split, with additional spells in England at West Ham and Everton during the mid-1990s. His extensive coaching resume includes stints at English clubs Watford, West Bromwich Albion, and West Ham. Most recently, he managed the Saudi Arabian side Al-Fateh during the 2023-2024 season.
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