The comeback king
Slaven Bilic is back, and he is highkey ready to shake things up. Fourteen years after his first stint as Croatia manager ended, the 58-year-old is officially back at the helm. It’s giving main character energy—he’s traded his old look for a sophisticated blend of Klopp and Simeone-inspired style, but the passion? Still the same.
He’s taking over for Zlatko Dalic, who absolutely ate during his tenure with major World Cup success. Replacing a legend is never easy, but Bilic is the only one who could have convinced 41-year-old superstar Luka Modric to keep rocking with the team. In their first game back together, Modric scored the opener in a 2-1 win against Czechia, making it clear the chemistry is still there.
A new vision for the pitch
Bilic isn’t just here to cruise; he’s trying to change the game. While Dalic favored an underdog, counter-attacking style, Bilic is pushing for something different. He wants high-press energy, more players charging the box, and center-backs who aren't afraid to push forward with the ball.
He’s already faced a reality check with a 4-1 loss to Spain, but he’s not stressed. The real test is coming up this Saturday in Rijeka against England. Bilic is a firm believer that his squad can hang with the best, and he’s ready to prove his second act is just as legendary as his first. Say less, we're watching.
Why it matters
Bilic is looking to transition Croatia from a tactical underdog to a dominant force. With veteran stars like Modric, Kovacic, and Perisic still in the mix, Bilic’s ability to reshape their playstyle will decide if this 'second coming' leads to a new era of trophies or just a trip down memory lane.
