Corluka - Slaven is special

Croatia defender praises young boss

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 14th June 2008

Corluka - Slaven is special

Bilic: Into the last eight

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Vedran Corluka believes Croatia have their own version of the 'Special One' in coach Slaven Bilic.

The former West Ham and Everton defender has made the transition into international management with ease, leading his country to a major tournament during his first qualifying campaign.

Croatia eased into the European Championship, winning their group and securing two victories over a floundering England side.

Euro 2008 was then always going to provide the sternest test of Bilic's managerial credentials but, so far, he is passing with flying colours.

Six points from their opening two games, including a 2-1 win over Germany, has seen Croatia book their place in the quarter-finals and establish themselves as dark horses to go all the way.

Relaxed

Manchester City defender Corluka believes much of the credit for their success must go to their boss, but insists that no-one in the camp is getting carried away just yet.

"For us, Bilic is just perfect," he said.

"The Chelsea fans had a nickname for Jose Mourinho - 'the Special One' - but for us, Slaven Bilic is 'the Special One'.

"He gives us belief, but he also makes us relaxed. It was a great result against Germany, but we must not get ahead of ourselves.

"We must focus on the next game (against Poland on Monday). We must take it one game at a time and then we will see."

Character

Croatia's showing at Euro 2008 is all the more remarkable given that they were denied the services of star striker Eduardo once the Arsenal ace suffered a horrific broken leg in February.

However, Croat defender Josip Simunic feels that the absence of their team-mate has made the squad even more determined to succeed.

"I think before the Euros when Eduardo got injured a lot of people did not take us so seriously," he said.

"The win against Germany showed we have a lot of heart and a lot of character. Getting to the quarter-finals was the least we wanted to do.

"Beating England showed we were a good team, but when Eduardo got injured people weren't so sure. We played for him and the whole of Croatia."