Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Just over a month after stepping down from his position as Croatia’s head coach, Zlatko Dalic is back in management after agreeing to take charge of the United Arab Emirates.
Dalic brought an end to his successful nine-year stint with Croatia following their round-of-32 exit at this summer’s World Cup, as they lost 2-1 to Portugal.
It was Croatia’s worst World Cup campaign under Dalic, who oversaw their historic run to the 2018 final, which they lost 4-2 to France, and a third-place finish at Qatar 2022.
The 59-year-old also oversaw two European Championship campaigns after taking charge in 2017, but he never led Croatia beyond the last 16 in that tournament.
He also helped Croatia reach the Nations League final in 2022-23, but they were beaten by Spain in a penalty shoot-out following a goalless draw in normal time.
“Welcome, Zlatko Dalic,” the UAEFA said in a statement on social media.
“The UAE Football Association is pleased to announce the appointment of the Croatian as the new Head Coach of the UAE National Team.”
الكرواتي زلاتكو داليتش مدربًا لمنتخبنا الوطني الأول لكرة القدم #منتخب_الإمارات
The UAE Football Association is pleased to announce the appointment of the Croatian as the new Head Coach of the UAE National Team #UAENT pic.twitter.com/EFLox63yAC
— UAEFA (@uaefa_ae) August 12, 2026
Dalic brings with him a wealth of experience, having overseen 111 games across all competitions during his time with Croatia.
He won 62 of those matches (55.9%, D20 L29), with both of those figures the most by any Croatia head coach since they became an independent nation in 1990.
Dalic returns to the UAE nine years on from his stint with Al Ain. He helped them win the domestic league title in 2015 before leaving his position because of fatigue.
He replaces Cosmin Olaroiu, with his first game coming next January against Yemen, in the AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
General Soccer News
Fenerbahce announce Lukaku arrival from Napoli
General Soccer News
Arsenal ‘setting the standard with women’s football’, says Stanway
General Soccer News
McGinn insists Villa can still compete despite big name exits
General Soccer News
Emery ahead of Super Cup clash: Villa are not stopping here
General Soccer News
Spalletti sees Juventus future for Douglas Luiz after positive pre-season
General Soccer News
Marquinhos urges PSG to ‘keep making history’ ahead of Super Cup clash
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
