After nearly nine years at the helm of the Croatian national team, Zlatko Dalić has officially taken over the United Arab Emirates national team. Net.hr readers shared their expectations for the new era.
Zlatko Dalić was presented in Dubai on Thursday, August 13, 2026, as the new head coach of the United Arab Emirates national team. This officially closed a chapter that lasted nearly nine years, the time the former Croatian coach spent at the helm of the Vatreni.
The Croatian Football Federation bid him farewell a day earlier, on August 12, with a post on their official profile. Alongside a photo credited to Drago Sopta, the HNS called Dalić the most successful coach in the history of the Croatian national team and wished him success in his new role.
The Emirates are not unfamiliar territory for Dalić. From 2014 to 2017, he coached Al Ain, winning the league and the President's Cup, and reaching the final of the Asian Champions League. Now, a new challenge awaits him at the international level.
During the presentation, Dalić stated that the fact such a country entrusts its football to Croats is a great thing for all of Croatia.
"When a country like this, with so much power, puts its football in the hands of Croats, then it is truly a great thing for all of us and a huge plus for Croatia in every sense. Proof of this is the results Croatia has been achieving lately, and they recognized that and gave us a chance. I am convinced that we, as experts from Croatia, will make a difference here, achieve good results, and justify all of this," Dalić told Net.hr.
Net.hr asked its readers in a poll what results they expect from the Croatian national team after the Dalić era. The comments reveal cautious optimism, but also an awareness of the high standard set by the former coach.
Sven Majstorović believes the new coach will focus on European Championship qualifiers, using the Nations League to build chemistry and integrate younger players.
Robert Gašparac is more cautious in his assessment. "Not so good, but if we continue in the same direction and with the same players, then anything is possible. Dalić set the bar high," he wrote.
Antun Nuna, meanwhile, emphasizes that results are not the only measure. "If they give their all on the pitch, even if they don't make it to the European or World Cup, I can only say hats off!" he said.
While the debate over the national team's future continues, Croatian internationals are already in action. Martin Baturina scored for Como 1907 in a friendly against Arsenal, the HNS announced on its profile on August 12. Alongside the goal video, the federation wrote: "What a finish."
