Former West Bromwich Albion Boss Slaven Bilic Appointed Croatia Head Coach
West Bromwich Albion's former promotion-winning boss Slaven Bilic has been appointed as Croatia's new head coach, replacing Zlatko Dalic. Bilic, 57, has been out of the game since 2024.
What Happened?
Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, where he led the nation to Euro 2008 and 2012. He has now replaced long-serving head coach Zlatko Dalic, who managed Croatia since 2016 and took the nation to the World Cup final in 2018, with a defeat to France, and to the semi-final in 2022.
Why It Matters for West Bromwich Albion
Bilic led the Baggies to promotion in 2020, and his appointment as Croatia's head coach is a significant development for the club. His experience in managing the national team will undoubtedly be beneficial for Croatia, but it also highlights the talent and expertise that Bilic brought to West Bromwich Albion during his tenure.
What Comes Next?
Bilic has been appointed to bring energy, ambition, and determination to ensure that Croatia remains among football's elite. He has expressed his confidence in the players and is genuinely happy to start this challenge. With his experience and motivation, Bilic is well-equipped to lead Croatia to success.
As of today, West Bromwich Albion is 21st in the Championship, with 51 points from 46 games, and a recent form of LDWWD. The team has scored 48 goals and conceded 58, resulting in a -10 goal difference. They are 44 points behind the leaders, Coventry.
Bilic's appointment as Croatia's head coach is a significant development for the club, and his experience in managing the national team will undoubtedly be beneficial for Croatia. With his passion and motivation, Bilic is well-equipped to lead Croatia to success.
The former West Ham and Everton defender was appointed in June 2019 and guided Albion back to the top flight after two seasons away. Albion looked a strong bet for an automatic promotion place throughout the campaign under the passionate Bilic. Form wobbled after the project restart return to action, but the Baggies secured promotion in a tense final-day draw against QPR at The Hawthorns.
Bilic was dismissed a few months into the following Premier League campaign after a 1-1 draw at Manchester City in December. Albion were 19th. The Baggies turned to Sam Allardyce, but the experienced Dudley chief was unable to keep the club in the top flight.
Since leaving The Hawthorns, Bilic has worked at three clubs and once back in England. His first job was in China at the helm of Beijing Guoan just a month after his dismissal. He won just nine of 29 games in China and left the following January. A move back to the Championship came in September 2022 as Watford appointed Bilic to replace Rob Edwards. He lasted a little over five months at Vicarage Road, where, after a run of one win in eight, Bilic was dismissed with the Hornets sitting ninth.
His most recent job was 12 months at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Fateh, who finished seventh in a league of 18.
