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Slaven BilichHead coach of the Croatian national team
Date of Birth: 11.09.1968
Country:  Croatia |
Content:
- Early Career and Club Success
- International Stardom and Club Transfer
- Injury Troubles and International Triumph
- Return to Hajduk and Coaching Ambitions
- Coaching Croatia's National Team
Early Career and Club Success
Slaven Bilić began his professional football career at his hometown club, Hajduk Split, joining their academy at the age of nine. After six seasons with Hajduk in the Yugoslav and Croatian leagues, he transferred to Bundesliga club Karlsruher SC in 1993 for £750,000. His performances for Karlsruher, including in the UEFA Cup semi-finals, caught the attention of Harry Redknapp, manager of English club West Ham United. Bilić moved to London for £1.3 million in January 1996.
International Stardom and Club Transfer
Bilić impressed for West Ham and was a key player for Croatia at the 1996 European Championship in England. His national team successfully navigated the group stage but lost to eventual champions Germany in the quarter-finals. Bilić's strong performances for club and country led Everton to pay a substantial fee of £4.5 million for his transfer in March 1997. However, he agreed to remain with West Ham until the end of the season to help them avoid relegation, earning a £200,000 bonus for his efforts. Notably, West Ham finished higher in the league standings than Everton that season.
Injury Troubles and International Triumph
Bilić joined Everton in August 1997. Manager Howard Kendall made him a defensive leader, but his first season was plagued by suspensions due to numerous bookings. Despite Everton's struggles, Bilić and his Croatian teammates excelled at the 1998 World Cup, where Croatia finished third, losing only to eventual winners France. After the World Cup, Bilić suffered a severe groin injury requiring extensive treatment and rehabilitation.
Return to Hajduk and Coaching Ambitions
After a quarter of a season in Croatia recovering from his injury, Bilić rejoined Everton, now managed by Walter Smith. He showed flashes of his former quality, but injuries and suspensions hindered his consistency. In July 1999, Everton released Bilić to find a new club. Receiving no suitable offers in England, Bilić continued to play only for the Croatian national team, while still earning his £27,000 per week salary from his Everton contract while living in Zagreb. In February 2000, Everton paid Bilić a £1 million settlement for the 28 months remaining on his contract. Two days later, Bilić re-joined Hajduk, where he soon retired from playing.
Coaching Croatia's National Team
In 2004, Bilić and former international teammate Aljoša Asanović took charge of the Croatian under-21 team, leading them to the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying round. Croatia successfully advanced from the group stage but lost in a play-off to Serbia and Montenegro.
On July 25, 2006, the Croatian Football Federation appointed Bilić as the manager of the national team following the dismissal of Zlatko Kranjčar, who had failed to guide Croatia out of their World Cup 2006 group. Bilić's coaching staff featured former Croatian internationals Asanović, Robert Prosinečki, Nikola Jurčević, and Marijan Mrmić. Croatia's first official match under Bilić's leadership, a friendly against Russia in Moscow, ended in a 0-0 draw. In the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, Croatia topped their group, securing qualification ahead of Russia and England.
