Bilić Back as Croatia Coach, Praises Modrić as 'Global Star'

Slaven Bilić has returned to lead the Croatian national football team, expressing his joy and excitement for the new chapter. "I was the Croatian coach for six years, then I worked in various countries, and now I'm back and very happy to lead my national team again," Bilić stated in an interview with the Spanish newspaper AS.

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I was the Croatian coach for six years, then I worked in various countries, and now I'm back and very happy to lead my national team again

Looking ahead to the upcoming Nations League matches in the autumn, Bilić acknowledged the difficult group Croatia has been drawn into, which includes Spain, England, and the Czech Republic. "We have a very tough group in the Nations League and we will soon play against Spain, in September and November. I look forward to those matches. We have a good team and I am very excited about this new period," he said.

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We have a very tough group in the Nations League and we will soon play against Spain, in September and November. I look forward to those matches. We have a good team and I am very excited about this new period

Bilić also took the opportunity to praise Croatian captain Luka Modrić, describing him as a truly exceptional figure in the sport. "Luka is not just a reference in Croatia, he is a global star. He is a unique footballer. There are few players with his character. He won the Ballon d'Or, reached the pinnacle of world football, yet he remains a very normal, humble person firmly on the ground," Bilić remarked.

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Luka is not just a reference in Croatia, he is a global star. He is a unique footballer. There are few players with his character. He won the Ballon d'Or, reached the pinnacle of world football, yet he remains a very normal, humble person firmly on the ground

In addition to discussing the national team, Bilić shared his thoughts on Edin Terzić, the new coach of Athletic Bilbao. Terzić, who previously served as Bilić's assistant at Beşiktaş and West Ham United from 2013 to 2017, was lauded by Bilić as one of the best coaches today. "Edin is one of the best coaches in the world. He is no longer an up-and-coming coach, but a fully established professional. Athletic is a great club for him, and he is an excellent choice for Athletic," Bilić commented, expressing confidence in Terzić's future success.

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Edin is one of the best coaches in the world. He is no longer an up-and-coming coach, but a fully established professional. Athletic is a great club for him, and he is an excellent choice for Athletic