Zlatko Dalić Officially Introduced as UAE National Team Coach
The former Vatreni strategist has signed a contract until 2030 and will earn around five million euros annually. He also brings an impressive team of Croatian experts to the Emirates.
The former Vatreni strategist has signed a contract until 2030 and will earn around five million euros annually. He also brings an impressive team of Croatian experts to the Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates Football Association officially confirmed on Tuesday what had been speculated for days. Zlatko Dalić, the former head coach of the Croatian national team, was introduced as the new coach of the UAE national team, putting an end to his nearly nine-year era on the Vatreni bench.
The association announced the news on its social media channels with a spectacular video featuring Dalić and a clear message: "Zlatko Dalić until 2030, officially." This also revealed the duration of the contract, which will keep the Croatian expert at the helm of the national team until the end of the World Cup to be held that year in Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, provided the UAE qualifies for the tournament.
Dalić traveled to the Emirates on August 12, where he signed the contract the same day. According to available information, his annual salary will be around five million euros. He will be joined by a host of Croatian experts in this new project, further strengthening the influence of the Croatian football school in the Middle East.
Dalić's coaching staff will include Vedran Ćorluka, Danijel Subašić, fitness expert Luka Milanović, and video analyst Marc Rochon. In addition, two more prominent Croatian names are heading to the UAE. Branko Ivanković takes on the role of special advisor to the association, while Igor Bišćan will become the new head coach of the Olympic U-23 team.
Dalić led the Croatian national team for nearly nine years, achieving historic successes that established him as one of the most successful coaches in history. Now he faces a completely new challenge in a different football environment, with the ambition to lead the UAE national team to the 2030 World Cup.