Slaven Bilic has been named the new manager of the Croatia National Team, following talks earlier this summer with Blackburn Rovers.
Bilic was high in Rovers' thoughts for the Ewood Park post, prior to the appointment of Tony Mowbray.
As reported by Lancashire Telegraph, there was a belief that Bilic was holding out for an international role post-World Cup. That has come to pass with the 57-year-old returning to manage Croatia.
Bilic held the role between 2006 to 2012 and now, 14 years later, is head coach once again.
“I would like to thank President Kustić and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence and trust they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach," Bilic said.
"I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalić, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that, because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.
"I have great faith in the players we have at our disposal, and it is my responsibility to bring the energy, ambition and determination to keep Croatia among football’s elite.
"I am tremendously excited by this challenge, for which I feel completely ready; a more mature and experienced coach than I was in 2006, but with exactly the same motivation and desire to see Croatia be powerful, fearless and successful."
“I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure, and we of course respect and understand his decision to bring his era in charge of Croatia to a close with this World Cup," HNS president Marijan Kustic said.
"It is not easy to follow in Zlatko’s footsteps, but we are convinced that Slaven is the right person for this role. He is a celebrated former international who now has vast coaching and managerial experience behind him, and I am certain he has the full support of the players, the fans, and the wider public to lead Croatia to new successes.
"I extend a warm welcome to Slaven. He will, of course, have the full support of the Federation in his work, and I wish him the very best of luck in his new tenure."
