Slaven Bilic has announced that he is to stand down as coach of the Croatia national team at the end of Euro 2012.
Croatia coach to stand down after Euro 2012
Slaven Bilic has announced that he is to stand down as coach of the Croatia national team at the end of Euro 2012.
The 43-year-old will lead Croatia into a third major tournament this summer, and his second European Championship.
He is, however, readying himself for a fresh start, with it his intention to step down from his current post.
Bilic has been at the Croatia helm since July 2006 and guided his homeland to the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.
He was unable to replicate that success at the World Cup finals two years on, as Croatia failed to qualify, but he agreed to remain in his post.
The former centre-half is now hoping to bow out on a high as he prepares to end a career-long association with the national team.
"This is my last championship in charge of Croatia," said Bilic.
"I have always given my best and, now, I am fully focused on the Euros. Afterwards I will be the biggest Croatia fan - I have been part of the national team for my whole life."
Ambition
Bilic is confident Croatia can emulate their achievements from Euro 2008 this summer, despite being placed in a tough group alongside the Republic of Ireland, Italy and Spain.
"We showed in 2008 that we know how to play and we will be ready again," he said.
"I can't say that this side are better than in 2008, but I can say that I think I am better. We went to Austria (and Switzerland) to win the Euros and we are going (to Poland and Ukraine) with the same ambitions now."
He added: "In qualifying more than 30 per cent of our players didn't have enough playing time with their clubs.
"I am not hiding from that problem but at the Euros it will not be such an issue as it was in qualifying. We will have a better preparation and we will be together for longer."
