Slaven Bilić

Who is Slaven Bilić?

Slaven Bilić is a former Croatian footballer, currently managing Beşiktaş in Turkish Süper Lig. He started playing in 1988 for his hometown club Hajduk Split and later had successful foreign spells with Karlsruher SC in Germany, and West Ham United and Everton in England before retiring from active football in 2001. At national level, Bilić served as one of Croatia's most consistent defenders during the tenure of coach Miroslav Blažević, earning 44 caps between 1992 and 1999 and playing in UEFA Euro 1996 and the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Following his playing retirement in 2001 at Hajduk Split, Bilić immediately turned to coaching, his first job being a five-month stint at Hajduk's helm in the latter stage of the 2001–02 season. Between 2004 and 2006 he managed Croatia under-21 football team, before taking over the senior national side from Zlatko Kranjčar in August 2006.

Credited with successfully overseeing the introduction of a series of young players from the under-21 squad to the senior side, Bilić led the team to the 2008 European championship where they reached the quarter-finals. In spite the fact that under Bilić's tenure Croatia failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, his contract with the Croatian Football Federation was extended in 2009. He then went on to qualify for the 2012 European championship, his second managerial success and major tournament appearance with Croatia. Upon his formal departure, Bilić was praised for his long-standing service to the national side. Domestic media outlet labelled him as Croatia's only manager to depart on such positive terms and credited him for his strong revival of the national side during his six-year tenure.