Ivica Olić named new Croatia U-21 manager

Stipe Pletikosa, Ivica OliĆ, Marijan KustiĆ (Photo: HNS)

Ivica Olić has officially taken on the role of manager for Croatia’s U-21 national team after finalising the details of his appointment with Croatian Football Federation (HNS) president Marijan Kustić.

His appointment was confirmed by the HNS Executive Committee.

The Croatia U-21 team resumes their European Championship 2025 qualification campaign in Slovakia this September, with two home matches. The first match against the Faroe Islands is scheduled for 5th September, followed by a second match on 10th September against Portugal. Olić takes over from Dragan Skočić and will lead the young team in these crucial fixtures.

Upon taking up his new role, Olić met with President Kustić and Technical Director for the A and U-21 teams, Stipe Pletikosa, at the Federation’s headquarters.

Prior to becoming the U-21 manager, Olić worked as a coach with the Croatian senior national team.

As assistant to manager Zlatko Dalić, he was part of the team that won a silver medal at the World Cup in Russia, a bronze medal at the World Cup in Qatar, and a silver medal in the Nations League.

Additionally, Olić managed CSKA Moscow.

“I am extremely proud and honoured to have the opportunity to lead the Croatian U-21 team, and I thank President Kustić and the HNS leadership for their trust. I look forward to working with our talented players and believe we will be successful together.

My goal is to guide them to complete the current cycle and qualify for the European Championship. Our young team has great potential, and my aim is to provide them with the necessary support and guidance to develop their talents and achieve the successes they deserve.

I have always believed in the power of teamwork and unity, and I am confident that with hard work, dedication, and commitment, we will achieve our goals, both in terms of good results and player development for the senior team,” said Ivica Olić, the new U-21 manager.

Ivica Olić (Photo: Антон Зайцев – https://www.soccer.ru/CC BY-SA 3.0)

“I am certain that we have found an excellent solution for our U-21 team in Ivica. He built his rich football career on hard work, perseverance, and self-belief, values we want to see in our young players. As Zlatko Dalić’s first assistant, he participated in the greatest successes of Croatian football, and I am convinced that his leadership will bring new energy and success to our young team.

Ivica has worked with top coaches and players, played in major clubs and at the highest level, and such experience will be invaluable for our U-21 team. We wish him much luck and success in this position,” stated HNS President Marijan Kustić.