Just one month after leaving the Croatia national team, the 59-year-old coach was announced as the new head coach of the United Arab Emirates.

The United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) confirmed the Croatian coach’s arrival this Wednesday, as he begins a new international project after spending nine years in charge of his country.

A new challenge after closing an era

Dalic’s departure from Croatia came in July, after the European side was eliminated by Portugal in the Round of 32 at the World Cup.

The UAEFA officially announced his appointment through its official channels, beginning a new chapter in which Dalic will look to bring some of the experience he gained during nearly a decade with Croatia to the Emirati national team.

A spell that left its mark on Croatia

Dalic took charge of Croatia in 2017 and went on to build one of the most successful periods in the national team’s history.

Under his leadership, Croatia reached the 2018 World Cup final in Russia, finishing as runners-up, and returned to the world’s top four four years later by securing third place at Qatar 2022.

His tenure also included a run to the 2023 UEFA Nations League final, confirming Croatia’s ability to remain competitive despite generational changes.

A destination Dalic already knows

Before becoming head coach of his national team, Dalic managed Al Ain and won the United Arab Emirates league title in 2015, an experience that now brings him back to the country in a different role.

He will replace Romanian coach Cosmin Olaroiu in charge of the national team, beginning a new chapter in a familiar environment where he previously enjoyed success at club level.

His new mission away from Europe

The appointment opens a different chapter for a coach whose name became closely linked to the Croatian generation led for years by players such as Luka Modric.

Now, Dalic will face the challenge of beginning a new cycle with the United Arab Emirates, using the experience he gained on the biggest international stages to boost the ambitions of his new national team.

His return to the country also completes an unexpected professional twist: just weeks after saying goodbye to Croatia, the coach is already back in the dugout and beginning another adventure in international football.