Dinamo Zagreb part ways with coach Nenad Bjelica

Nenad Bjelica (Photo: HNS)

ZAGREB, 16 April 2020 – Nenad Bjelica (48) is no longer the coach of Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb after a marathon 3-hour meeting at the club’s Maksimir headquarters on Thursday. 

“GNK Dinamo and Mr. Nenad Bjelica have agreed to terminate their business cooperation. The club thanks Nenad Bjelica for his cooperation so far and the results he has achieved as Dinamo coach,” the club said in a statement on Thursday afternoon. 

“The contract was terminated to mutual satisfaction. It took a little while because we talked about the terms of termination of the contract. It’s been two beautiful years. I only remember the beautiful days. Thanks to all the players, the staff and the fans,” Bjelica told the media after exiting the meeting, adding that he has no plans for now and wants to just rest and be with his family. 

Bjelica, a former player, signed a two-year-deal with Dinamo Zagreb back in May 2018 and had a 73% win record since taking over. He led Dinamo in its first match in the UEFA Champions League after four years back in September, a 4–0 win against Atalanta.

Bjelica began his coaching career back in 2007 at FC Kärnten, as player-caretaker manager. He also coached Lustenau 07, WAC St. Andra, Austria Wien, Spezia and Lech Poznan before arriving in Zagreb.