Dalic steps down as Croatia coach: 'Most complicated decision'

Zlatko Dalic, who has led the Croatian national football team for the past 111 matches since October 2017, has informed the country's football federation of his decision to step down as head coach. The federation announced on its website that Dalic conveyed his decision to conclude his tenure after the 2026 World Cup.

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The role of coach requires many difficult decisions, but this was undoubtedly the most complicated for me. I have always said that there is no greater honor than leading my national team, and I cannot have a more important, responsible, and beautiful job than this.

Dalic described his departure as the "most complicated decision" he has faced in his role. He stated, "I have always said that there is no greater honor than leading my national team, and I cannot have a more important, responsible, and beautiful job than this." Reflecting on his nearly nine years at the helm, Dalic expressed pride in the team's accomplishments, which included reaching the World Cup final in Russia in 2018 and securing third place in Qatar in 2022. The team also finished as runners-up in the 2023 Nations League.

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When I took charge of the national team, I believed so much in the quality of the players as well as in myself, but I didn't even dare to dream that we would achieve everything we have achieved in these almost nine years.

"I cannot describe how proud I am of every victory, of the positions in major competitions, of the three medals, of the great nights of Croatian football like the one where we beat England or Brazil in the World Cup," Dalic added. He particularly highlighted the unity achieved within the team and with the Croatian people, which was evident during the "unforgettable receptions after winning World Cup medals."

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I cannot describe how proud I am of every victory, of the positions in the major competitions, of the three medals, of the great nights of Croatian football like the one where we beat England or Brazil in the World Cup, but above all of the unity that we achieved within the team and with the Croatian people.

Marijan Kustić, president of the Croatian Football Federation, expressed his gratitude for Dalic's service. "There are moments in sports when it is difficult to find the right words, and this is undoubtedly one of them," Kustić stated. He thanked Dalic on behalf of the Croatian football family for believing in the national team from the very beginning and for instilling that faith in the players, leading them to "miraculous successes that generations will talk about." Kustić acknowledged that under Dalic's leadership, Croatian football has written "the most beautiful pages of its history," citing the silver medal in Russia, bronze in Qatar, and the Nations League final as key achievements, alongside the lasting memories created for millions of Croatians.

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Zlatko Dalic has taken the decision to end his incredible career on the bench of the Croatian national football team and, above all, I want to give him a big and sincere thank you, on behalf of the Croatian football family and all of us who had the luck to work with him.