07/08/26 07:40:00
Printable Page
07/08 07:38 CDT Zlatko Dalic steps down as Croatia's coach after World Cup exit
Zlatko Dalic steps down as Croatia's coach after World Cup exit
ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) --- Zlatko Dalic is out as Croatia's coach after a spell
that included leading the team to two consecutive top-three finishes at World
Cups.
"I leave with a fulfilled heart, proud of my contribution to the greatest
successes of Croatian soccer in history, and I wish my successor, the national
team and Croatian soccer many new successes," Dalic said in a statement posted
by the national soccer federation on Instagram on Wednesday.
The announcement came less than a week after Croatia lost 2-1 to Portugal in
the round of 32 at the World Cup.
"I have always said that there is no greater honor than leading my national
team, and that I cannot have a more important, more responsible, and more
beautiful job than this," Dalic said.
"The support in recent days has prompted me to reconsider my decision to leave,
but... it's about time. As much as I still feel the ambition and desire to
write new successes with Croatia, I feel that this is the right moment to
conclude this incredible era."
The federation called Dalic's time at the helm an "unforgettable journey" and
said his departure was a "proud farewell."
"Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalic has decided to close his
incredibly successful chapter with Croatia," the federation said on X. "Head
coach, thank you for everything --- the victories, the achievements, the
qualifying berths, the medals, the unity, the respect, and your unwavering
commitment to fight for Croatia, both on and off the pitch.
"The results speak of your coaching virtues. The respect you've earned from
your players, staff, and opponents speaks volumes about the person you are."
Under Dalic, Croatia's so-called golden generation, which included star player
Luka Modric, was runner-up at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and third at the
2022 edition in Qatar. It was also runner-up at the 2023 Nations League.
The federation did not immediately announce a new coach.
___
See more of AP's World Cup coverage here
|
