Dalić Departs After Nine Years of Historic Success with Croatia

Zlatko Dalić has stepped down as head coach of the Croatian national team, the local football federation confirmed. The decision was made by Dalić himself, who departs as the most successful coach in the history of the "Vatreni." In nearly nine years, he led Croatia to a silver medal at the 2018 World Cup and a bronze at the 2022 World Cup. Additionally, he secured silver in the UEFA Nations League in 2023.

He informed federation president Marijan Kustić of his desire to embark on a new chapter in his career.

"This was undoubtedly the toughest decision of my life. I have always said there is no greater honor than leading my national team, and that I could not have a more important, responsible, or beautiful job than this.

The support I received in recent days made me reconsider my decision to leave, but... it's time. As much as I still feel the ambition and desire to achieve new successes with Croatia, I feel this is the right moment to conclude this incredible era. I leave with a full heart and proud to have contributed to the greatest successes in Croatian football history, and I wish my successor, the Croatian national team, and Croatian football many new triumphs, in which I deeply believe," Dalić stated.

Croatian media had already reported days ago that Slaven Bilić was the most likely candidate to take over the position.