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Zlatko Dalić is out as Croatia coach after a spell that included leading the team to two consecutive top-three finishes at the World Cup.
“I leave with a fulfilled heart, proud of my contribution to the greatest successes of Croatian football in history, and I wish my successor, the national team and Croatian football many new successes,” Dalić said in a statement published by the national football association on Instagram on Wednesday.
The announcement came less than a week after Croatia lost 2-1 to Portugal in the Round of 16 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,” Dalić said.
“The support in recent days has made me rethink my decision to leave, but… it’s time. As much as I still feel the ambition and the desire to write new successes with Croatia, I feel that this is the right time to end this incredible era.”
The federation called Dalić’s time at the helm an “unforgettable journey” and said his departure was a “proud farewell”.
“After almost nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalić has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with Croatia,” said the federation on X. “Head coach, thank you for everything – the victories, the performances, the qualification places, the medals, the unity, the respect and your unwavering commitment to fight for Croatia both on and off the pitch.
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“The results speak for your coaching qualities. The respect you have earned from your players, staff and opponents speaks volumes about the person you are.”
Under Dalić, Croatia’s so-called golden generation, which included star player Luka Modric, finished second 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 association did not immediately announce a new coach.
Report from the Associated Press.
