Sports Illustrated and multiple other media outlets have reported that Carlo Ancelotti could manage Croatia at the 2018 World Cup. The HNS has contacted the legendary Italian coach about managing Croatia only at the World Cup in Russia next summer; should they qualify.
After taking over for Ante Čačić following the Finland draw and Ukraine victory, current Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić will stay in command for the two-legged November playoff vs. Greece.
Ancelotti was just sacked by Bayern Munich in September but has also managed Luka Modrić at Real Madrid as well as PSG, Chelsea and A.C. Milan in the past 15 seasons. Ancelotti is a Champions League coach with tons of experience. He won the Champions League with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007, the Premier League with Chelsea in 2010, Ligue 1 with PSG in 2013 and the Champions League with Luka Modrić and Real Madrid in 2014.
This would be an amazing move from the HNS and would be Croatia’s first ever foreign-born manager.
The only way Croatia could ever win anything is if their coach is an Italian!!!
@trad croat. The dude has won. Knows how to use hise manpower. Tell me which Croatia manager has won anything? Maybe 1966. Why are so hell bent as having a Croatian manager? You think think the greeks care who coached em in 2004? Fuck no. We gotta win man!
And your point is? Traditional croat. Don’t know what your point is? Happening or not we gotta win.
@Zee
“At madrid he used the 4-3-3 formation. At milan he used the 4-3-2-1 better known as the xmas tree formation. Both were winners”
I know Khedira and Modric were defensive midfielders in Ancelotti’s time.
Are you saying he used a 4-3-3 formation in every game at Madrid, that’s not very flexible!
Looks like it’s not happening anyway, so that’s good in my opinion.
I for one always want a Croatian coach.
@ truth troll kid. Well you you said you going to educate! Stock tips on tech company please! Haha chump assed chump just like i thought!!!! So there goes your proof!!!!!!
@anonymous. Just fact checking.
Quite the imagination I’m that Truth Troll kid
@warrenbuffet. Too funny!
Yes please let me in on this one!
@truth troll. Is your current or former tech company publicly listed on the stock exchange?
@Dannyj
I would easily take Dalić over Bilić for this playoff.
Bilić is a coach that has a knack for discovering and introducing good players into his team when he first takes over… But he always fizzles out and his record gets worse with time. This has happened with all of his teams.
Besides, Bilić already had his chance to eliminate Greece back in 2011 and he failed. No second chances.
Hockey has line changing and matchups throughout. A coach is very important.
In no other sport but baseball do managers wear a team uniform. Hilarious when you see a fat 60 year old in full uniform.
@ bz
You make really excellent points. I think your order is roughly correct
Maybe hockey is below soccer
And also, simply ranking them doesn’t do them justice cause it doesn’t capture magnitude. I would rank as follows
College football 10
College basketball 9
Nfl football 8
Nba 5
Soccer 3
Hockey 2
Baseball 1
If u Guys could have bilic or dalic right now before the playoff would u do it?
Ziva thank you for taking your time from your Ivy League kid and tech mogul life to teach us
I will thank you for everyone. I hope everyone ok with that;)
Major sports by Coach importance descending order:
American football
Basketball
Hockey
Soccer
Baseball
In no other sport, except baseball, would a manager be fired 2 days before a team’s biggest game in over a year. A soccer coach is very important in deploying a formation & personnel. But after the whistle blows, most of the responsibility lies in the player’s hands. And that is the Truth.
Dalic made the right moves vs Ukraine. He benched Pivaric and played Vrsaljko out of position, after one of Vrsaljko’s worst performances of his career. That hints at a keen eye for talent.
@Idemo-How many times do I have to defend Rakitic & Mandzukic thru their rough patches? I have defended both when it was ill advised.
Bilic down 3-0 nil to Brighton and at home!
He should be jobless by the morning…
If Dalic wins he will stay on as Coach for the WC.
He won’t stay on long term because a WC appearance will generate bigger cash offers from Asia.
Ancelloti would be nice. He and his staff smoke and are laid back. But I doubt he takes the Croatia offer for a short term gig.
Bilic is on the verge of getting canned after the result vs Brighton. Tough scenario for him. West Ham relied heavily on Pizda Payet. And their new stadium is a horrible atmosphere.
Bilić gets sacked at West Ham and swoops in the for world cup, the timing would work. Not sure what his relationship is with HNS.
No away fans for both Croatia vs Greece games
A couple things motivate me
1) sharing the truth and educating. Especially the diaspora
2) working toward the betterment of hrvatska
3) having my son succeed at his ivy league school
4) helping my tech company progress
5) providing advice/guidance to the owners of my previous company to help them succeed. Even though i sold it to them, it’s almost like a child and you always want to see it do well
So those are my main motivations. Hope it helps clear things up
What motivates u truth besides the obvious wanting to preach and be known for something other then living in Mama istinas basement
Where is ziva step tata he was good for a laugh
I do agree though ancelloti would prob not coach us given the chance though
It’s like sometimes people just don’t learn. Let’s go over some truths again
1) coaches largely don’t name a difference unless they are truly incompetent. Think stimac
2) ancelotti is not wasting his time, money, reputation on coaching Croatia
Again I will insert that I don’t know soccer well enough to really comment but I feel in soccer coach is super important. There are always changes to the play and while u need playeRs to step up u need someone who knows how to take the reigns when needed
Has no one here had a job that turned to shit or become much more bearable when a diff boss came in?
Why do some people no matter how hard they think they work still need a dietitian and personal trainer to get in shape?
U need a proper leader who knows when to be soft or lay the boot knows when to be quiet and when to motivate
This takes a special person and then if this person has experience like an ancelloti u may have a recipe for success
We have tried the inexperienced guy route and hasn’t worked why not try a brand name guy
Modric respect him for sure and others would probably follow suit
Dalic looks promising but he ain’t no ancelloti. They both have their pros and cons and most likely ancelloti rumors is something we started on this site;) but I’d be willing to try him
Not like they don’t have the money
I could see suker and mamic sitting around bitching they don’t have money but we all know they just don’t want to break the piggy bank
@traditional croat. At madtid he used the 4-3-3 formation. At milan he used the 4-3-2-1 better known as the xmas tree formation. Both were winners.
So… If Šuker manages to snag Ancelotti, will there still be calls for a HNS Bojkot?
It’s funny how Dalić is not seen as a HNS puppet, despite having as mediocre a resumé as our previous coaches.
I actually like the guy, but it’s funny how inconsistent the Croatian media and pro-Bojkot fan groups are.
They don’t know what they want.
The HNS is a club controlled by a small circle of individuals (much like many leagues, even here in the States).
In the HNS’s case, there is another small circle of individuals who want to take control of it… So the strategy is to destroy the National Team with boycotting, hooliganism, fines… Any way you can get the existing circle out of power so you can seize it for yourself.
Same shit, different folks.
…and one last point!
Ciro Blazevic was NEVER a great coach but he was probably the worlds best motivator and politician!
when I was in Croatia back in 1986, I went to a Dinamo practice with Josip Kuze…he coached the 2nd team. he told me…and later on so did a few other people tell me that Ciro was well known for his gifts and trinkets. when reporters approached him, he would walk with them to his car, open the trunk and hand out gifts for them that he’d buy in foreign countries at the markets…this is no bullshit! he had the media talking good about him cause he treated them very well…and if he became abusive, he always took them aside and apologised!
in the past I’ve seen people here say the coach really doesn’t make a difference…I’ve even seen some respected posters say that. I totally disagree! a coach does make a difference…he is responsible for so many details…from the initial rules of off field behaviours, sets the dress codes, schedules for daily meetings and meals…to the training sessions, set plays, overall tactics and strategies, player selection….a teams cohesiveness or fragile environment can depend greatly on the leadership of their coach, he can be influential…and its not so different from going to battle for your sargeant vs not really believing you can accomplish something. there’s the psychological part as well…some coaches can really get you to buy-in and feel you’ll leave your life on the field, for your teammates, other coaches can make you feel unsure and not as united. I remember reading how Ciro dealt with Suker and Boksic. both were scorers and yet they really didn’t like each other…sooo…Ciro told Suker that Boksic told him he thought he was an incredible player and was so excited to play along-side of him…he did the same thing to Boksic….none of it was true but he had to create harmony between them!
Ancelotti has recently had to deal with some pretty tough decisions…leaving Real Madrid in 2015 and then recently having a real tough time at Bayern. I’m not sure where his head is at and would Croatia be a rebound type of situation and is he clear minded and focused enough to fully commit…which would mean for him to set an entire plan from “A” to “Z” about how he would lead our team? there’s so much preparation involved…it is not as simple as walking into a dressing room and setting the line-up!
I have always respected and loved Ancelotti as a man and a coach…he’s definitely experienced and demonstrates a good balance of fun and seriousness. players seem to like him and his aptitude for the game is definitely something young players can benefit from. I’d love to be a fly on the wall and see what his plan would be if he were to take this opportunity…I’m just hopeful he’s all in and committed mentally!
only siminic – good old lika shovel beating to the boys that don’t run their tails off- that’s all we need
@chopper he worked for Silvio Berlusconi at AC Milan. So same shit as Mamic. Who wouldn’t want to coach a roster like ours? This team on paper is as good as any!
Yes the speculation was already squashed. However where there is smoke there’s fire.
https://www.total-croatia-news.com/sport/22897-hns-president-responds-to-ancelotti-claims-false-news
Dalić needs to call up whom ever he deems necessary to beat Greece over the next 180+ minutes.
He needs deploy said players where ever they are most effective for the team to be successful.
~10 day project for the players.
Dalić needs to simply bring his focus from now through November 14 or when ever the date is in Athens ?
He did well in Kiev and will access to even more players for Greece.
My sense he is up for task as long there is no interference from Šuker and co.
Ancelotti for 8 months could absolutely be our manager. He brings big game experience and will maximize the veteran output.
It would benefit Ancelotti to visit all the top leagues to scout out all of our top players. He also will have unfettered access to some of our young talent. He gets to coach in a World Cup without sacrificing his club career with a drawn out qualifying process.
HNS will get the World Cup windfall of money and will have enough to come to an 8 month contract with Ancelotti.
Croatian assistants will get to learn from him so it is also like a master coaching program as well for HNS.
I will make a difference
Vugrinec is going to coach with Neretljak and Agić as assistants and we’re going to win the World Cup. Truth told me so.
If you don’t see Carlo making difference idk how you see Zlatko making difference……
Because he’s not representing the country. He’s doing a job managing the representation of a country
Y’all have to get over pulusic…..they blatantly said America only…….
How come coaches can go manage any nation whenever they want but players can’t change teams whenever they want. Why can’t Pulisic change his mind and play for Croatia now, he just has to quit the US team? Pulisic is Croatian Ancellotti is not.
@Idemo
I just asked Zee the question, what are some of the changes he could see Ancelotti making that has him so excited, which he answered by suggesting Ancelotti is a good tactician, which I take to mean that Zee believes that our tactics are the reason for our poor results against Iceland, Turkey and Finland, so he believes we were out coached.
Me, I don’t see Ancelotti making any difference to our NT at all, I can see him playing the 4-2-3-1 formation he used at Madrid, using Modric the same way he did at Madrid, I can’t see him making any personnel changes, would he even know all our players, so other than his name I don’t see him bringing anything to the table. Just my opinion.
What about you Idemo, would you like a foreign coach?
Modric and Real were clearly limited by Ancellotti.
Zidane knows how to handle Modric, but Zidane is too busy winning titles while Ancellotti inherits great teams and embarasses himself (lately)
Very true. How much do you guys think the respect factor comes into play between our NT players and our coaches ?
Heynckess – 1 year at Bayern until they find a replacement.
https://fcbayern.com/en/news/2017/10/press-release-jupp-heynckes
Won the treble for Bayern, he liked Mandza.
https://amp.sportsmole.co.uk/football/bayern-munich/news/heynckes-pleased-with-mandzukic-attitude_83665.html
And they still told him they were hiring Guardiola the next year so technically he was fired. He had no plans of leaving. He did what Guardiola and Ancelotti weren’t able to do. Not just win a Champions league with Bayern but a treble.
Mandza’s goals are usually as good as his crosses in all fairness. He was scoring with Ribery and Robben on the wings so it’s quality he’s getting. If we can just deliver crosses for him he will score a decent % of them and he frees up Kramaric. The whole national team for the most part can all do this well for their club teams so it’s mostly mental and us lacking teeth.
But once again, we need to first qualify. Vrsaljko, Strinic or Pivarić at LB or do we go 3? Lovren Vida Vrsaljko?
I Like the possibility of Ancelotti coaching Just for the Cup run should we qualify. Heres why. It would be good for him plus good for the team…. Good for Ancelotti Because his time at Bayern was not a success. Croatia gives his him world class players That he can possibly bring out of them That not one homegrown coach currently available could. It would only be a short term contract for the cup run if he is able to maximize thier performance and get a quality Result even if it is not a high paying Gig the big clubs will libe up with a blank check.. IT is good for the repka Because now for the first time since Ćiro AND maybe Bilić they will have someone the players must respect plus its a new voice That is a proven winner. I believe this is good for both sides. We have the players to do damage at the World Cup we Just need someone with Experience and a voice That will Get the most out of the players.
Heynckess – 1 year at Bayern until they find a replacement.
https://fcbayern.com/en/news/2017/10/press-release-jupp-heynckes
Won the treble for Bayern, he liked Mandza.
https://amp.sportsmole.co.uk/football/bayern-munich/news/heynckes-pleased-with-mandzukic-attitude_83665.html
And they still told him they were hiring Guardiola the next year so technically he was fired. He had no plans of leaving. He did what Guardiola and Ancelotti weren’t able to do. Not just win a Champions league with Bayern but a treble.
Mandza’s goals are usually as good as his crosses in all fairness. He was scoring with Ribery and Robben on the wings so it’s quality he’s getting. If we can just deliver crosses for him he will score a decent % of them and he frees up Kramaric. The whole national team for the most part can all do this well for their club teams so it’s mostly mental and us lacking teeth.
But once again, we need to first qualify. Vrsaljko, Strinic or Pivarić at LB or do we go 3? Lovren Vida Vrsaljko?
But what’s the point Croat or non croat just like Carlo what can do Croat do what motivation tactics etc
“The Swansea coach expects his former mentor to stick to his plan and take time off instead of returning to the Premier League with the Foxes”
Taking time off is code for he’s waiting for a bigger club, with an even bigger cheque book, which he just had at Bayern but got sacked.
He couldn’t have distanced himself quick enough from the Leicester job, coulda got right back to work, but not up for that sort of challenge I guess.
@Idemo
I didn’t watch the Ukraine game, I only watched highlights. Some of you guys were saying that Modric played attacking midfield, if this is some change that Dalic has made then I’d be happy to keep going with him, in my opinion that’s the main reason we haven’t reached any great heights, because we continue to play Modric in his familiar Real Madrid role instead of asking him to play attacking midfield without the responsibility of having to defend. If we continue with our 4-2-3-1 formation, which funnily enough was Ancelotti’s preferred formation at Real Madrid, so long as Modric plays attacking midfield for us, I’m happy to keep Dalic.
I also prefer a Croatian coach.
Wasn’t this speculation already squashed by the HNS?
@traditional croat. He has to be a good tactician or elsr he wouldn’t have won a damn thing. Has a great rapport with modric. The team sometimes take on the personality of a manager. You never know in football but!
@traditional Croat
Hynkess more than likely isn’t replacing Carlo he’s just interim. And that 72 year old has won many titles
The way you put those questions about Carlo makes me think wonder what’s the point of a manager then???????? If someone like Carlo can’t change anything I pose a serious question to you, who do you think can? Sounds like you don’t want Carlo. A proven winner. I wonder what he said to those 2 Milan teams and Real Madrid.
@Zee
What do you see changing with Ancelotti, do you see him making some personnel changes, tactics, is he a good motivator, other than his name what’s got you so excited?
I’m just saying that I don’t see Ancelotti changing anything.
I’d only consider Ancelotti if he wanted to coach us for free, or he came begging with his hat in hand asking us for a job, I want him to want us more than we want him, I don’t like it if we’re seeking him out.
He just got the ass from Bayern and has been replaced by an out of retirement 72yr old.
If I’m correct, I don’t think Guardiola was sacked from the Bayern post either?
If Olić was chosen and Dalic’s assistants as well I would think it’s a bogus story this whole Ancelotti thing. Unless HNS are still looking for better options even with Dalić in play.
Rijeka with a big win on the road today.
@ZDS lifestyle. Agreed game changer indeed.
This would be a game changer.
From being coached by a tv repair man then a cell phone unlocker to Carlo Ancelotti!!!
Make it happen Suker and all will be forgotten.
No because Croatia will not be at the World Cup.
some of you have become mamic apologists and act like this guy hasn’t done anything wrong……
Do you really think that someone of Ancelotti’s calibre would want to be associated with Mamic? No way! Assuming he’d report to the HNS board (I.e. Suker & co.), there’s no way this is going to happen with Mamic so close to the decision makers. We need him way more than he needs us so why would he take the job?!
I dont know if i would want him though as good as he is this would be the start of something not good, after him then we would have many other international coaches
But how will all the Mamic obsessed haters continue to blame everything on him if the HNS actually appoints a credible coach? lel
Good work Robert K!
I believe that i first broke this story on Croatian sports
Sure could in my mind. Gotta beat Greece first though.