Croatian Football Federation President: Slaven Bilić was 'first choice' for national team coach

Slaven Bilić has been appointed as the new head coach of the Croatian national football team, with Football Federation President Marijan Kustić confirming he was the "first choice" for the role. Kustić revealed that Bilić presented a compelling vision for the team during their discussions, which solidified the decision.

"When we sat down and talked, he shared all his ideas and thoughts about the national team," Kustić stated. "I personally no longer had any doubts, and the members of the Executive Committee and the professional commission thought the same." The federation president emphasized that Bilić's appointment was the only proposal considered, highlighting a consensus among the leadership.

Bilić, a former Croatian international player and coach, takes over the national team with expectations of building on its recent successes. His previous coaching experience includes spells with various clubs and the Croatian national team itself, where he achieved notable results.

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Slaven Bilić was the first choice. When we sat down and talked, he shared all his ideas and thoughts about the national team. I personally no longer had any doubts, and the members of the Executive Committee and the professional commission thought the same. He was the only proposal.