Slaven Bilić returns to manage the Croatia national team after a 14-year absence, preparing to face a Czech Republic side led for the first time by Spanish coach Santi Denia at Eden Stadium in Prague. The fixture brings together two squads undergoing distinct tactical evaluations, with Bilić deflecting past inquiries regarding reported interest from the Czech federation while analyzing his upcoming opponents.
Bilić Avoids Questions on Past Czech Links Ahead of Prague Clash
Nearly a year ago, speculation mounted regarding the Czech Republic’s interest in securing Bilić for their managerial vacancy. General manager of Czech national teams Pavel Nedvěd reportedly attempted to contact the Croatian strategist during that period. When reporters raised the topic during a press conference in Prague ahead of the upcoming international fixture, Bilić shook his head and dismissed the query with a concise “No, no.”
Reflecting on past media reports in his homeland, former Croatia international striker Andrej Kerić recalled the circumstances surrounding Zlatko Dalić’s tenure and Bilić’s eventual appointment. According to Kerić, when Dalić indicated he no longer wished to manage the national side, Bilić was viewed as the clear successor. Kerić noted that Bilić turned down approaches from other international teams—including opportunities that could have led sides to the World Cup—because he specifically wanted to return home to Croatia.
Evaluating Santi Denia’s New-Look Czech Side
Bilić arrives in the Czech capital facing a side under new leadership. Bilić acknowledged the anticipated shift in style during his pre-match media commitments.
“I expect that Czechia will play a slightly different football than in recent years. We don’t know what it’s going to look like,” Bilić said. “We were able to analyze Czechia’s matches at the World Cup and before it. It is a very strong team that is good in individual duels and movement. They know how to hold positions, they are strong in standard situations. I don’t expect the new coach to step away from that.”
Despite the Czech squad failing to advance from their group stage at the recent World Cup, Bilić emphasized that they remained competitive in every fixture with minimal differences. He also noted that some players no longer play for Czechia.
Modrić Included in Croatia Travel Squad
Croatia enters the fixture following a first-round playoff elimination against Portugal at the recent World Cup. Bilić’s traveling roster includes veteran figures, most notably 41-year-old legendary midfielder Luka Modrić. The AC Milan player participated in training sessions at Eden Stadium on Friday evening, leaving his availability for the starting lineup subject to late fitness checks.
“It will also depend on him, how he will feel,” Bilić remarked regarding the veteran midfielder’s status.
With his return to the bench finalized, Bilić expressed optimism regarding his squad’s preparation for the fixture against Denia’s team. “I couldn’t be more satisfied with my team. I’m very excited,” the manager concluded.
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