croatian football director and former player

Slaven Bilić ( marked [ slǎʋen bǐːlitɕ ] ; [ 2 ] [ 3 ] born 11 September 1968 ) is a croatian professional football director and erstwhile player who is the head coach of chinese Super League club Beijing Guoan. Bilić, who played as a defender, began his career in 1988 with his hometown club Hajduk Split, belated having successful spells with Karlsruher SC in Germany, and West Ham United and Everton in England before retiring from active football in 2001. At the international level, Bilić served as one of Croatia ‘s most consistent defenders during the tenure of passenger car Miroslav Blažević, earning 44 caps between 1992 and 1999, and playing in UEFA Euro 1996 and the 1998 FIFA World Cup, helping the team to the third place at the latter tournament.

Following his playing retirement in 2001 at Hajduk Split, Bilić coached the team in the moment half of the 2001–02 season. between 2004 and 2006, he managed the Croatia national under-21 team before taking over the senior national side. He led the team to the quarter-finals of the 2008 european Championship and left after the following edition four years later. He was praised for his long-standing service to the national side and credited with successfully overseeing the introduction of a series of youthful players from the under-21 team to the senior english. [ 4 ] [ 5 ] He left for the russian club Lokomotiv Moscow in 2012 and then spent two years each managing turkish baseball club Beşiktaş and West Ham United. During the 2018–19 season he was the head bus of Al-Ittihad, and on 13 June 2019 he became the coach of West Bromwich Albion .

Club career [edit ]

early life and Hajduk Split [edit ]

about all Hajduk juniors went to the economics school, thus Bilić wanted to go adenine well. There were no classical grammar schools in Split, so he enrolled in information, journalism and documentary studies ( INDOK ). All throughout high school, Bilić ended up with the highest grades, so he graduated with Matura. His favored subjects were maths and history. When he was choosing where to enroll in college, he already knew he would be a football player. After graduating from high gear school, he completed his law staff in Split, where his don was the dean. [ 6 ] As a Hajduk actor, he was on loan for half a year at NK Primorac from Stobreč, and for one and a half a year in HNK Šibenik, which fought for the beginning place touch in the Yugoslav Second League. [ 7 ] Bilić, as centre half, scored seven goals and played for the national team. Petar Nadoveza called him up for three matches : in Skopje, Niš and Mostar. He scored two goals and was declared man of the match in all three matches. [ 8 ] Bilić became the target of clubs such as Dinamo Zagreb, Red Star Belgrade and Partizan, which all wanted to acquire the young defender. He helped his cabaret win the 1990–91 Yugoslav Cup before the level of the Yugoslav First League. During the first season of the newly founded croatian First League, Hajduk won the league and Super Cup. One temper belated, they besides secured the croatian Cup. [ 9 ]

West Ham United [edit ]

In January 1996, Harry Redknapp, coach of Premier League club West Ham United, brought him to the club for a fee of £ 1.3 million, [ 10 ] setting the club ‘s record for highest tip paid for an incoming player. He made his debut on 12 February 1996 in a 0–1 away win against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Bilić ‘s nip was saved by Tottenham goalkeeper Ian Walker only for West Ham ‘s Dani, another debutant, to divert the ball into the Tottenham goal. [ 11 ] [ 12 ] Bilić scored three goals in his time with West Ham : two in the Premier League, against Liverpool and Sunderland, and one in the League Cup against Barnet, heading-in from a Stan Lazaridis corner, his beginning for the club. [ 11 ] [ 13 ] He played 13 games in the 1995–96 temper and 41 in the 1996–97 temper, a season which besides saw him voted a runner-up, to julian Dicks, for the Hammer of the Year award. [ 11 ] [ 14 ] In March 1997, Everton director Joe Royle brokered a £4.5 million move, with Bilić claiming he had a debt of loyalty to West Ham to stay with the club until the end of the season to ensure they were not relegated. [ 15 ] West Ham finished in 14th place, two points above the relegation places. [ 16 ]

Everton [edit ]

Bilić turned out for Everton in August 1997 after assuring himself of raw coach Howard Kendall ‘s full confirm. He initially brought some class to the Toffees ‘ backline, but his season was marred by bookings that saw him miss respective games through suspension. [ 15 ] After his exertions in the 1998 World Cup, Bilić revealed a nag breakwater striving that required perch and discussion, which he took back home in Croatia. [ 15 ] After missing the first base quarter of the season, Bilić was left wonder if he would get back into the Everton side managed by Walter Smith. He did thus and showed some full form but could never in full establish himself due to injuries and suspensions. [ 15 ] Everton released Bilić in July 1999 .

Hajduk Split [edit ]

Two days after being released by Everton, Bilić signed up with his home plate club Hajduk Split, where he briefly played until retiring. [ 15 ] He led Hajduk as team captain to their first trophy in five years winning the croatian Cup. [ 17 ]

International career [edit ]

Bilić made his international debut on 5 July 1992 in a friendly match against Australia, in which they lost 1–0 at Olympic Park Stadium. [ 18 ] Bilić went into the 1998 World Cup with Croatia, where the team was the surprise package of the tournament, falling in the semi-finals to hosts France. Croatia finished in third gear set after winning the play-off bet on. [ 15 ] Bilić was involved in controversy during the tournament for the character he played in the judgment of dismissal of Laurent Blanc in the semi-final with France. With Croatia behind, a free kick back was awarded, which saw Bilić marking the french defender. He held Blanc and to free himself, Blanc pushed Bilić, making contact with his kuki and chest. Bilić fell to the ground clutching his frontal bone. Bilić later admitted that he was acting, and went down only after boost from teammate Igor Štimac. Blanc was sent murder and missed the World Cup concluding through abeyance. [ 15 ] Bilić did not apologize but did say, “ I swear if I could change that so Blanc could play in the final, I would. ” [ 19 ]

Managerial career [edit ]

early days [edit ]

As a stockholder in his hometown club, Hajduk Split, he temporarily agreed to manage them until the cabaret found a refilling director. Having admitted that the epinephrine inspired him, he reportedly received steering after travelling Europe and visiting Arsène Wenger and Marcello Lippi. [ 20 ]

croatia [edit ]

Bilić was appointed head coach of the senior national team on 25 July 2006, succeeding Zlatko Kranjčar after the unsuccessful 2006 World Cup. His assistants included former teammates Aljoša Asanović, Robert Prosinečki, Nikola Jurčević and Marjan Mrmić. One of his first actions in charge of the police squad was the forwarding of three players from the under-21 team : Eduardo, Luka Modrić and Vedran Ćorluka, who would all finally delight impressive success and make transfers to the Premier League. The team ‘s first base official game under Bilić was the 0–2 friendly win in Livorno against Italy, while Bilić ‘s first competitive game was the scoreless pull in Moscow against Russia in the undoer for their euro 2008 qualifying campaign. many criticized this result due to Bilić ‘s suspension of Darijo Srna, Ivica Olić and Boško Balaban, who escaped from camp three days before the match and went to the night club Fontana in Zagreb. It is likely that no one would have found out, but there was a gunfight and a police treatment. [ 21 ] far in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, he led Croatia to a very successful crusade in a group consisting of England, Russia, Israel, Macedonia, Estonia, and Andorra. Bilić managed to lead Croatia to a first-place ending in Group E, most notably masterminding home and away victories against England, who consequently did not qualify and sacked their director Steve McClaren. [ 20 ]
Bilić at the presentation of Croatia ‘s raw kit, April 2010 At the Euro 2008 tournament itself, where he was the youngest passenger car, Bilić and the remainder of his team had to participate with a “ disable ”, as they were without their leading striker Eduardo, who sustained a serious wound a few months sooner. Nonetheless, Bilić led his side to an outstanding accomplishment, as they won all three group stage games of the competition, taking maximal points in the group for the first clock in their history, which included an impressive 2–1 victory over eventual finalists Germany. flush his side ‘s second string substitute side was seen to be besides solid for their final examination group opponents Poland, who they beat 1–0 due to an Ivan Klasnić goal. [ 22 ] Croatia soon became labelled as favourites for the tournament, but suffered an exit in the quarter-finals against Turkey, and he admitted that the defeat would haunt him and his squad for the rest of their lives. [ 23 ] Croatia opened UEFA Euro 2012 with a 3–1 victory over the Republic of Ireland, with striker Mario Mandžukić scoring twice, and Mandžukić besides scored an equalizer in the 1–1 draw against Italy. After a 1–0 get the better of to Spain, Croatia exited the tournament in the group phase. however, the team subsequently garnered far-flung domestic praise for their performance, and were greeted by a big crowd upon their render. Upon his formal passing, Bilić was besides praised for his long-standing service to the national side. domestic media wall socket Jutarnji list labelled him as Croatia ‘s only coach to depart on such incontrovertible terms and credited him for his impregnable revival of the national side during his six-year tenure. [ 4 ]

Lokomotiv Moscow [edit ]

On 14 May 2012, it was confirmed that Bilić had signed a coach abridge with the russian golf club Lokomotiv Moscow. [ 24 ] Upon the confirmation of sign, Lokomotiv president Olga Smorodskaya stated that Lokomotiv had sturdy contest in signing Bilić, as he was targeted by many clubs around Europe who wanted to sign him as their new director. [ 25 ] Bilić took over the team after the Euro 2012 tournament had finished. His assistants included former teammates and early assistants during his tenure as coach in the national team, Aljoša Asanović and Nikola Jurčević. Upon his arrival he made his foremost large sign for the team, signing his ex-Croatian international player Vedran Ćorluka from Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of £5.5 million. His beginning official match as the new Lokomotiv director came on 20 July 2012 in away match against Mordoviya Saransk, ending in 3–2 winnings for Lokomotiv. Bilić ‘s first season as a coach ended with the Lokomotiv ‘s worst league result, ninth seat, since the establishment of russian championship in 1992. Bilić accepted duty for Lokomotiv ‘s failure and was sacked on 18 June 2013. [ 26 ]

Beşiktaş [edit ]

After leaving Lokomotiv, Bilić entered talks to take over as Beşiktaş coach. The deal was confirmed on 26 June 2013 after an agreement to a three-year contract worth €4.8 million. Bilić signed the condense on 28 June. [ 27 ] On 22 September, Bilić was sent-off from the bench by referee Fırat Aydınus during the İstanbul Derby against Galatasaray, after Bilić had complained about the sum of time added by the referee. [ 28 ] Beşiktaş president Fikret Orman announced on 21 May 2015 that Bilić would leave the club at the end of the 2014–15 season. [ 29 ]

West Ham United [edit ]

Bilić was appointed director of English Premier League golf club West Ham United on 9 June 2015 on a three-year shrink. [ 30 ] In his beginning Premier League plot on 9 August, his team beat armory 2–0 at the Emirates Stadium. [ 31 ] Three weeks later, he became the first director to lead West Ham to victory against Liverpool at Anfield since 1963. [ 32 ] On 19 September, Bilić led West Ham to a one-third consecutive 1–2 aside win against Manchester City. It was the first prison term the Hammers had won three consecutive Premier League away games since September 2007, [ 33 ] and entirely three other sides had recorded away wins at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in the same Premier League season. [ 34 ] In Bilić ‘s first season as coach, West Ham finished seventh in the Premier League and towards the end of the season, they beat Manchester United 3–2 in May and significantly lowered United ‘s hope of finishing in top 4 for reservation for the UEFA Championship League set. [ 35 ] The team broke respective records for the cabaret in the Premier League era, including the highest number of points with 62, the highest number of goals in a season with 65, a positive goal remainder for the first gear time in the Premier League with +14, the fewest games lost in a season with eight and the fewest aside defeats with five. [ 36 ] Following Manchester United ‘s succeed in the 2016 FA Cup Final, West Ham took their UEFA Europa League position and qualified for the third gear qualifying polish of the 2016–17 UEFA Europa League. [ 37 ] For the second season in a row they were eliminated in the qualifying rounds by romanian side FC Astra Giurgiu. [ 38 ] In his moment temper in charge West Ham finished 11th in the Premier League in a challenge introduction season at the London Stadium following the acrimonious passing of star player, Dimitri Payet. [ 39 ] After a melt of hapless results in the Premier League, culminating in a 4–1 home loss to Liverpool on 4 November 2017, Bilić was sacked. The announcement, made two days after the game, stated that “ West Ham United can confirm that Slaven Bilic has today left his side with the club. West Ham United believe a deepen is now necessity in decree for the clubhouse to move forward positively and in telephone line with their ambition. ” [ 40 ] He left the team with a criminal record of 1.33 points per Premier League game, which is the best of any former West Ham coach. [ 41 ]
On 27 September 2018, Bilić joined Al-Ittihad of the Saudi Professional League. [ 42 ] On 24 February 2019, after five months as director of Al-Ittihad and after winning only 6 of his 20 matches, Bilić got sacked from the placement. [ 43 ]

West Bromwich Albion [edit ]

On 13 June 2019, Bilić was named as head coach of West Bromwich Albion on a biennial contract. [ 44 ] On 22 July 2020, he led the club to promotion back to the Premier League, finishing as runner-up in the 2019–20 EFL Championship. [ 45 ] On 22 September, Bilić was charged with ‘improper lead ‘ by the FA, after remonstrating with referee Mike Dean during his team ‘s 5–2 get the better of to Everton a few days before. [ 46 ] On 16 December, despite a surprise 1–1 describe against Manchester City, Bilić was sacked by the golf club after a poor begin to the season. His fellow coach staff were besides dismissed. [ 47 ] At the time, West Brom were 19th in the league, having taken just seven points from 13 games. [ 48 ]

Beijing Guoan [edit ]

On 6 January 2021, Bilić was named as head coach of chinese Super League english Beijing Guoan on a biennial contract. [ 49 ]

Coaching vogue [edit ]

Bilić has said in a post tournament interview that he and his players compiled and studied many games of their opponents to become very well prepare for rugged matches. [ 50 ] Known to be a big fan of music, Bilić relates his team motivation to such, much encouraging them to listen to inspiring music before and after games. [ 51 ]

personal life [edit ]

“ If you know to parcel what you own, you live happily and with honor. I am a true socialist. I know I ca n’t save the world on my own ; but if there is a fight against injustice, I constantly prefer to be on the frontline, and that is my position toward life. ”

–Bilić talk of himself. [ 52 ]
Along with his native Croatian, Bilić is fluent in german, italian and english, while he besides holds a degree in police. [ 53 ] As a big fan of rock music, he plays rhythm guitar with his favor crimson Gibson Explorer and is a member of Rawbau, a croatian rock band. [ 54 ] In 2008, the set recorded a song for Croatia ‘s performance at Euro 2008 called “ Vatreno ludilo ” ( Fiery Madness ). [ 55 ]

career statistics [edit ]

club [edit ]

International appearances [edit ]

reservoir : [ 69 ] [ 70 ]

Croatia
Year Apps Goals
1992 4 0
1993 0 0
1994 6 0
1995 6 0
1996 11 1
1997 7 2
1998 9 0
1999 1 0
Total 44 3
Results list Croatia’s goal tally first.

managerial [edit ]

As of 26 December 2021[71][72]
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record
P W D L Win %
Hajduk Split 5 December 2001 4 May 2002 17 11 4 2 0 64.71
Croatia U21 1 July 2004 30 June 2006 19 8 4 7 0 42.11
Croatia 25 July 2006 14 May 2012 65 42 15 8 0

64.62

Lokomotiv Moscow 14 May 2012 18 June 2013 32 13 7 12 0 40.63
Beşiktaş 28 June 2013 21 May 2015 92 48 22 22 0 52.17
West Ham United 9 June 2015 4 November 2017 111 42 30 39 0 37.84
Al-Ittihad 5 October 2018 24 February 2019 20 6 5 9 0 30.00
West Bromwich Albion 13 June 2019 16 December 2020 65 26 22 17 0 40.00
Beijing Guoan 6 January 2021 Present 26 8 6 12 0 30.77
Total 447 204 115 128 0 45.64

Honours [edit ]

musician [edit ]

Hajduk Split [ 73 ]
Croatia

coach [edit ]

West Bromwich Albion

individual [edit ]

Orders [edit ]

References [edit ]