Croatia manager Slaven Bilić has unveiled the full backroom staff that will support him during the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. This team of specialists will prepare the Vatreni for four fixtures in September and October, as reported by 24sata Sport.
The team currently sits second in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group with six points from three games. They have scored five goals and conceded five, leaving them just one point behind group leaders England. Following their last result, a 2-1 loss to Portugal on July 2nd, Bilić's side aims to return to winning ways in their next fixture away to Czechia on September 26th. You can follow the entire schedule of upcoming matches on our fixtures page.
Who is in Bilić's new coaching team?
Alongside the head coach, the staff will include three assistant managers: Danilo Butorović, Dean Računica, and Nikola Jurčević. Vatroslav Mihanović has been appointed as the goalkeeper coach. Player conditioning will be handled by two experts: Fedor Kulusić, who previously worked with Bilić at Al-Fateh, and Nick Davies, currently at Everton. Davies will join the national team during the FIFA window, renewing a working relationship that dates back to their time at West Bromwich Albion.
Video analysis and tactical preparation will be the responsibility of Alen Terzić, brother of manager Edin Terzić, and Jasmin Osmanović, who previously worked with Nenad Bjelica. Bilić's nephew, Ive Bilić, is also part of the staff. Team doctor duties fall to Dr. Jurica Rakić, with Jurica Skelin serving as the physiotherapist.
Why is the addition of Gianni Vio significant?
The most notable addition to the technical staff is Gianni Vio, the 73-year-old Italian specialist renowned for his expertise in set-pieces. Vio is famous for his innovative routines and detailed analysis, with his work recognized across multiple European leagues. His inclusion signals Bilić's intent to give Croatia every possible edge, particularly in tight matches where a well-rehearsed set-piece can secure important points. This could be vital in the close race for the top spot in the group, which you can track on the standings page.
What does the preparation and match schedule look like?
Bilić has already named a 26-player squad set to gather on September 21st for training. "Bilić will debut on September 26th in the Czech Republic, three days later follows an away game in Spain, and on October 3rd and 6th are matches against England in Rijeka and against Spain at Poljud," the manager said. This demanding schedule of four matches in eleven days will require careful management of player fitness and workload.
The team enters this cycle on the back of two consecutive losses, part of a recent form of three wins and two defeats in their last five outings. Bilić and his new staff have the task of stabilizing performances and securing results that keep Croatia in the hunt for the qualifying group's summit. The full list of players called up for this gathering is available on the squad page. The first test for the new backroom team will be the away match against Czechia on September 26, 2026.
