Bilic's Croatia Return
Slaven Bilic poised to return as Croatia manager, accepting modest annual salary package
Key Points
Bilic guided West Bromwich Albion to promotion to the Premier League in 2020 as Championship runners-up, and was dismissed a few months into the following top-flight season after a 1-1 draw with Manchester City; since leaving The Hawthorns, he has had stints at Beijing Guoan, Watford and Al Fateh.
Reports indicate the Croatia job return would be Bilic’s fourth managerial role since leaving West Brom, with an official announcement expected on Monday per Ben Jacobs as he resumes international management.
Blackburn Rovers had targeted Bilic in their head-coach search earlier this summer before he chose to return to international management with Croatia; Tony Mowbray was later appointed.
Croatia’s governing body outlined Bilic’s previous spell with the national team (2006-2012) and his achievements, including Croatia’s Euro 2008 quarter-final run; the federation’s process involves an Executive Board meeting and a presentation if approved, with Bilic’s record cited as 42 wins in 65 matches, 14 draws and 9 defeats.
Bilic’s reported salary for the Croatia role is around €1 million gross per year, a notably lower package than Zlatko Dalic’s previously reported €180,000 gross per month (about €2.16 million per year) under his last contract.
Slaven Bilic is set to return as Croatia's national team manager, more than a decade after his first spell in charge. Total Croatia News reported that the Croatian Football Federation's Executive Committee unanimously voted to appoint the 57-year-old, with an official announcement made at a press conference in Zagreb.
Bilic replaces Zlatko Dalic, who resigned after Croatia's exit to Portugal in the World Cup knockout stage. The appointment ends Bilic's near-18-month absence from management since leaving Saudi club Al Fateh in 2024.
Bilic's Record-Setting First Spell as Croatia Boss
Bilic first led Croatia from 2006 to 2012. During that run, he guided the team to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals. His overall record was strong: 42 wins, 14 draws, and just 9 defeats in 65 matches, according to Total Croatia News.
Croatia's golden era continued under Dalic, who took the team to the 2018 World Cup final and a 2022 semi-final. Bilic's return signals the federation wants a familiar hand to build on that legacy heading into Euro 2028 qualifying.
A Modest Salary Deal Sets This Appointment Apart
Bilic agreed to take the job for around €1 million gross per year. That is a sharp cut compared to what Dalic earned. Dalic's last contract was reported at €180,000 gross per month — roughly €2.16 million per year — making Bilic's deal less than half that figure, per Express and Star.
The lower salary suggests Bilic was eager to return to international management. His coaching staff is still taking shape, with Dean Racunica among those linked to a role alongside him.
West Brom Promotion, Then a Well-Traveled Road Back
Since leaving Croatia in 2012, Bilic has had a busy club career. His biggest highlight came at West Bromwich Albion, where he won promotion to the Premier League in 2020 as Championship runners-up. He was sacked a few months into the following top-flight season after a 1-1 draw with Manchester City, according to Yahoo Sports.
After West Brom, Bilic managed Beijing Guoan, Watford, and Al Fateh in Saudi Arabia. This Croatia role is his fourth job since leaving The Hawthorns. Blackburn Rovers also targeted him earlier this summer before he chose international management. Tony Mowbray was later appointed at Blackburn instead.
What Comes Next for Croatia Under Bilic
The New York Times confirmed the appointment follows a formal Executive Board meeting and presentation process set by the Croatian Football Federation. The federation cited Bilic's strong managerial record as the key reason for his selection.
Croatia will look to Bilic to maintain their status as a European football power. Euro 2028 qualifying is the immediate target. With international experience, a proven record with this squad's predecessors, and a lean new contract in place, Bilic steps in with clear expectations on both sides.
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