Bilić unveils coaching staff and brings back a legendary Vatreni

Slaven Bilić has unveiled the staff that will support his return to the Croatia bench, bringing back several trusted collaborators from his first spell in charge.

Nikola Jurčević is the most prominent name among the assistants. He worked alongside Bilić during Croatia’s first Bilić era from 2006 to 2012, then followed him to Lokomotiv Moscow, Beşiktaş and West Ham. Danilo Butorović and Dean Računica will also serve as assistant coaches.

Aljoša Asanović, the former Croatia international known as a legendary member of the Vatreni, is returning as an adviser rather than a traditional assistant coach. He previously worked on Bilić’s staff until the 2012 European Championship. Vatroslav Mihačić will prepare the goalkeepers, while Nick Davies and Fedor Kulušić will handle fitness. Alen Terzić and Jasmin Osmanović will oversee analysis and video analysis, and Gianni Vio will specialize in set pieces.

Bilić succeeded Zlatko Dalić in July. His second mandate begins with a match against the Czech Republic in Prague on Sept. 26. Croatia then plays Spain in Seville on Sept. 29, England in Rijeka on Oct. 3 and Spain again in Split on Oct. 6. Bilić previously led the national team from 2006 to 2012.