Dalić steps down as Croatia head coach

Zlatko Dalić has stepped down as head coach of Croatia's national football team after nearly nine years in charge, following the team's World Cup exit in the Round of 32.

Dalić met with the president of the Croatian Football Federation, or HNS, this morning. While neither side made any public remarks afterward, the federation released two statements - one thanking Dalić for his service and another from the departing coach.

In its statement, the HNS said:

"Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalić has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with Croatia."

The federation thanked him for the victories, achievements, qualification campaigns, medals, unity, respect, and his unwavering commitment to Croatian football.

Dalić guided the Vatreni to three major medals: World Cup silver in 2018, bronze in 2022, and a UEFA Nations League silver medal. Although the federation offered him a new contract through the 2028 European Championship, he delayed a decision until after the World Cup.

In his statement, Dalić said stepping down was the most difficult decision of his career.

"I have always said there is no greater honor than leading my national team," he said.

He also reflected on some of Croatia's greatest moments, including victories over England and Brazil at the World Cup, but said he was most proud of the unity built within the squad and with the Croatian people.

Dalić thanked the players he coached over the years, from captain Luka Modrić to the veterans of the 2018 World Cup squad and the younger generation now coming through the national team.

"I am extremely grateful to them for putting Croatia above all else and for always showing what the Croatian national team stands for," he said.

The Croatian Football Federation is expected to announce Dalić's successor soon. One name widely mentioned in the Croatian media is former national team player and coach Slaven Bilić, who represented Croatia from 1992 to 1999 and coached the national team between 2006 and 2012.