Former International Ivica Olic Joins Croatia Coaching Staff

One of Croatia’s most-capped internationals has joined the coaching staff of the national team ahead of the 2018 World Cup playoff against Greece.

Ivica Olic, who represented Croatia 104 times in his career, has joined new Zlatko Dalic’s coaching staff as an assistant coach, the Croatian Football Federation confirmed on Thursday.

“It is an honour to be part of the Croatian national team again, this time in a new role. Thanks to Dalic for having faith in me and I will do all I can to add my bit to help achieve our goal which is to qualify for the World Cup in Russia,” Olic said.

Former Croatia international Ivica Olić (104 caps) will take on a role of an assistant coach in Croatia national team. Welcome back Ola! pic.twitter.com/0SL8OzNmN0

— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) October 19, 2017

“I believe that with my experience as a player and the knowledge I have gained by working with great coaches as well as knowing the specificity of a representative environment, I can help the team as a member of the staff. I can promise everyone that I will respect as a trainer what I believe as a player – and that is that devoted work and an honest relationship between is the keys to success, “added Dalic’s new assistant.

Olic accepting the role has pleased Zlatko Dalic.

“I am happy that Ivica Olic accepted my offer, we agreed everything quickly because we share the same stance what the Croatian national team represents. Ivica knows the representative environment very well, and with clubs and the Vatreni he has experienced practically everything, and his ‘fighter’ spirit, optimism and contagious positive approach will be of great use to the entire dressing room. Olić will start following matches this weekend, and the rest of the staff will be completed by the time the team gathers in November, Dalic said.

Croatia plays Greece in Zagreb on 9 November 2017 in the first leg of the World Cup playoff, with the return leg in Greece on 12 November.