While Zlatko Dalić has not yet signed a contract with his new employer, indications are pointing to the situation developing into a larger Croatian project after his departure from the national team. The United Arab Emirates have an offer on the table worth around five million euros annually. However, in recent days, interest is also coming from Saudi Arabia and South Korea.
Dalić does not plan to leave where he currently is. According to information we have received, a complete coaching staff that worked with him during his last stint at Vatreni would follow him to the new club. This includes Danijel Subašić, Dražen Ladić, Marjan Mrmić, and analyst Marc Rochon.
If the most likely scenario materializes, Dalić's departure for the United Arab Emirates could significantly broaden the Croatian project. Branko Ivanković would take on a role as director or coordinator within the UAE football association, while Igor Bišćan is mentioned in this context as well.
Dalić's next job will not just be his new engagement but the beginning of a project where a group of Croatian experts could play a significant role. If this scenario materializes, Dalić would not face an easy task. The United Arab Emirates have only participated in one World Cup so far, back in 1990 when they lost all three matches.
At the start of August, Dalić will return to his hometown Livno. On August 10th, he will once again be the face of the Zlatko Dalić Football Camp project, launched by NK Troglav 1918 in 2022 with support from HNS, the City of Livno, and Herceg-Bosnian County.
