ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) – Zlatko Dalic has stepped down as Croatia’s national team coach after leading his team to two consecutive top-three World Cup finishes.
“I leave with a fulfilled heart and am proud to have contributed to the greatest success in the history of Croatian football. I wish my successor the national team and Croatian football new successes,” Dalic said in a statement released by the country’s football federation. Instagram on wednesday.
The announcement comes less than a week after Croatia. lost 2-1 Play against Portugal in the round of 32 world cup.
“I have always said that there is no greater honor than leading the national team, and no job is more important, more responsible, or better,” Dalic said.
“The support of the last few days has made me reconsider my decision to step down, but it is about time. I still feel the ambition and desire to achieve new successes in Croatia, but I feel that now is the right moment to end this great era.”
The federation called Dalic’s time in charge an “unforgettable journey” and said his departure was a “proud farewell”.
“After nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalic has decided to bring the curtain down on an incredibly successful chapter in Croatia. We would like to thank the head coach for everything: the victories, the achievements, the qualifications, the medals, the unity, the respect and the unwavering determination to fight for Croatia on and off the pitch,” the federation said.
“The results speak volumes about your virtues as a coach. The respect you earn from your players, staff and opponents speaks volumes about you as a person.”
Under Dalic, Croatia’s so-called golden generation, which includes star player Luka Modric, finished runners-up at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and third at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. They also finished runner-up in the 2023 Nations League.
The federation did not immediately announce a new coach.
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