Croatia Coach Dalić Given Deadline to Decide Future; Bilić Eyed as Successor

Zlatko Dalić, the highly successful head coach of the Croatian national football team, has been given a deadline of Thursday to decide on his future. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) president, Marijan Kustić, has expressed a strong desire for Dalić to continue leading the team, reportedly telling him, "I want you to remain the coach, and the decision is yours."

Dalić, who has guided Croatia to remarkable achievements including two World Cup medals and a Nations League final appearance over nine years, is reportedly weighing his options in Varaždin with his family. If he chooses to stay, he is expected to sign a two-year contract that would extend through the 2028 European Championship.

However, should Dalić decide to step down, potentially due to saturation, fatigue, or a better offer, the HNS is reportedly considering Slaven Bilić as his successor. Bilić, who previously managed the national team from 2006 to 2012, has allegedly held discussions with Kustić. His previous tenure included qualifying for two European Championships, though it also saw a failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, a point that has been amplified on social media recently.

Despite the potential for a coaching change, the upcoming period presents a daunting challenge for whoever is in charge. Croatia faces a tough schedule in the Nations League from September to November, with double-headers against England, Spain, and the Czech Republic.