Bilić merciless: 'Vida dropped, this is a warning for everyone'
We recall the turbulent May 2011 when coach Slaven Bilić sent Domagoj Vida home from the national team due to inappropriate behavior ahead of a crucial qualifier.
We recall the turbulent May 2011 when coach Slaven Bilić sent Domagoj Vida home from the national team due to inappropriate behavior ahead of a crucial qualifier.
Discipline has always been a top priority for coach Slaven Bilić, as best illustrated by an incident from May 2011. Then, ahead of a crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Georgia, young international Domagoj Vida was expelled from the national squad after an incident involving alcohol and a police report.
Bilić's reaction was swift and uncompromising. Vida was immediately removed from the camp, with Ivan Tomečak called up from Dinamo as his replacement. The coach did not hide his disappointment and anger, sending a clear message to the entire dressing room.
Bilić was clear and direct in his statement. "Vida will miss this gathering due to inappropriate behavior. A Croatian international must be an example on and off the pitch, and regardless of the circumstances, such behavior is unacceptable," the then-coach said.
But he didn't stop there. He added that this was a warning intended for everyone in the national team setup. "This is a very serious warning, not just for Domagoj, but for everyone-players and staff alike. We have the rare honor of representing our country; it's the greatest privilege for an athlete, but also the greatest responsibility. That's why there can be no leniency for anyone!" Bilić emphasized.
Domagoj Vida did not shy away from responsibility. Visibly shaken, he accepted the punishment and publicly apologized, aware of the gravity of his mistake. "That's the end of the story. I accept coach Bilić's decision; it's up to me to continue working, training, and playing, and thus try to regain his trust," Vida said.
"I paid dearly for that incident, and rest assured, something like that will never happen to me again. I've learned a lifelong lesson from this experience. I'm sorry it turned out the way it did; I can't change it, but I can do everything to ensure it doesn't happen again," the young defender added at the time.
The 2011 incident became a turning point in Vida's career. After serving his suspension, he managed to return to the national team and eventually became one of its most important pillars. Bilić's "carrot and stick" approach proved successful in the long run, and Vida grew into one of the most decorated Croatian internationals in history.
Meanwhile, the newer generation of the Vatreni continues their journey. On Saturday, vice-captain Ivan Perišić registered an assist for PSV in a 2-2 draw against Fortuna Sittard on the opening day of the new Dutch league season, as confirmed by the Croatian Football Federation's official Twitter profile.
