Bilic returns for second spell as Croatia head coach

Bilic is back

Slaven Bilic is the new Croatia head coach. The federation confirmed his return, a decade after his first spell ended, with the 57-year-old signing through the Nations League campaign in September (1) (2).

"I have the complete confidence in our players, and it is my responsibility to bring energy, ambition and determination to ensure that Croatia remains among football's elite," Bilic said (1).

He inherits a squad still raw from the World Cup exit in the Round of 32. Portugal knocked Croatia out 2–1 in a match defined by Josko Gvardiol's disallowed late equalizer. The federation filed a formal complaint against FIFA. Zlatan Ibrahimovic called it "clear theft." Josip Stanisic said the team was unfairly eliminated.

Bilic's mandate is clear: channel that grievance into the next cycle. Luka Modric remains the midfield anchor. The talent is there. Now it needs a spark.

What Bilic brings

Bilic knows the job. He led Croatia from 2006 to 2012, taking them to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals. Since then he has managed West Ham, West Brom, Watford, and Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia (1) (2).

His first test comes with the Nations League in September (2). The fixtures are not yet confirmed. Expect energy. Bilic teams do not sit back.