Bilic is back: bold approach and character mark his return with Croatia

Slaven Bilic returns to the Croatia dugout fourteen years after his first spell as national team coach came to an end. On Saturday, Croatia host England in Rijeka in the Nations League, a match that will test the new project led by the 58-year-old. Bilic takes over from Zlatko Dalic, the man who made history by guiding Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and a third-place finish in 2022. His approach is clear from the start: bring back the bravery, high pressing and attacking ambition that defined his first era.

Slaven Bilic returns to Croatia after fourteen years away

The comeback follows a long journey across different leagues. Since leaving the Croatia job, Bilic managed West Ham, West Brom and Watford in England, and also worked in the Saudi Pro League and the Chinese Super League. He had been out of work for 23 months since August 2024, a gap that now closes with the chance to lead his country once again.

Years ago, in an interview with Croatian media in London, he said he did not believe in comebacks. He explained that he had good memories and did not want to spoil them. The national team call changed his mind. He returns with more experience, a refreshed look and the same direct, passionate style that has always defined him.

What it means to replace Zlatko Dalic after two World Cup medals

Taking over from Dalic is no easy task. The previous coach turned Croatia into one of the most reliable teams in European football, capable of reaching the final in Russia in 2018 and winning bronze in Qatar in 2022. Dalic built a recognizable, sober and humble side that felt comfortable sitting back and striking on the counter. Bilic represents a different approach: a team that dares, believes in its talent and tries to impose its game.

It is worth remembering that much of that success was built on Bilic's first spell in charge. He was the coach who made Croatia dream big again, who pushed a generation that Dalic later guided to glory. The famous 3-2 win at Wembley in 2007, during Euro qualifying, remains one of the highlights of that period. Croatia did not win because they had to; they won because they felt they could.

Modric, the first goal of the new era and his bond with the coach

The first goal of Bilic's second era carries Luka Modric's signature. The 41-year-old midfielder scored in the 2-1 win over Czechia in Prague and celebrated by embracing his manager. That moment sums up their connection and confirms that keeping the captain on board has been one of the new coach's biggest achievements. Bilic is probably the only manager able to convince Modric to extend his international career.

Croatia's new style: high pressing, risk and attacking intent

Bilic's plan is radically different from his predecessor's. He wants Croatia to dominate games, press high and get more players into the opposition box. He asks his centre-backs to step forward with the ball instead of waiting for Modric or Mateo Kovacic to drop deep and receive. He wants a brave, attacking team as passionate as he is.

The challenge is applying that idea to a squad that, despite the arrival of fresh blood over the years, still leans on veterans such as Modric, Kovacic and Ivan Perisic. The coach believes it can be done. Back in 2012 he thought his Croatia could win the Euros, and although that campaign ended in the group stage, he now looks high again and says he can match Dalic's achievements.

England match in Rijeka marks the first major test

Saturday's clash with England arrives at the perfect moment to measure the real potential of this Croatia side. Bilic has already overseen two matches since his return: the win over Czechia and a 4-1 defeat against a far superior Spain, in which he rotated heavily. Against England, at home and with Nations League points on the line, a more recognizable version of the new project is expected.

England are a top-level opponent, the kind of side that tests a team's personality. For Bilic, this is not just another fixture: it is the chance to prove that his message about bravery and belief can translate into results. Croatia want to feel like protagonists again, and Rijeka could be the ideal stage to start showing it.