Croatia Coach Zlatko Dalić Steps Down After World Cup Exit

Zlatko Dalić is retired arsenic Croatia's manager aft a spell that included starring the squad to 2 consecutive top-three finishes astatine World Cups.

"I permission with a fulfilled heart, arrogant of my publication to the top successes of Croatian shot successful history, and I privation my successor, the nationalist squad and Croatian shot galore caller successes," Dalić said successful a connection posted by the nationalist shot federation connected Instagram connected Wednesday.

The announcement came little than a week aft Croatia mislaid 2-1 to Portugal successful the circular of 32 astatine the World Cup.

"I person ever said that determination is nary greater grant than starring my nationalist team, and that I cannot person a much important, much responsible, and much beauteous occupation than this," Dalić said.

"The enactment successful caller days has prompted maine to reconsider my determination to leave, but... it’s astir time. As overmuch arsenic I inactive consciousness the ambition and tendency to constitute caller successes with Croatia, I consciousness that this is the close infinitesimal to reason this unthinkable era."

The federation called Dalić's clip astatine the helm an "unforgettable journey" and said his departure was a "proud farewell."

"Following astir 9 years, caput manager Zlatko Dalić has decided to adjacent his incredibly palmy section with Croatia," the federation said connected X. "Head coach, convey you for everything — the victories, the achievements, the qualifying berths, the medals, the unity, the respect, and your unwavering committedness to combat for Croatia, some connected and disconnected the pitch.

"The results talk of your coaching virtues. The respect you’ve earned from your players, staff, and opponents speaks volumes astir the idiosyncratic you are."

Under Dalić, Croatia's alleged aureate generation, which included prima subordinate Luka Modric, was runner-up astatine the 2018 World Cup successful Russia and 3rd astatine the 2022 variation successful Qatar. It was besides runner-up astatine the 2023 Nations League.

The federation did not instantly denote a caller coach.

Reporting by The Associated Press.