By David Gold
May 11 – Slaven Bilić will leave his post as Croatia coach at the end of the European Championships this summer, after six years in charge.
Bilić (pictured above) has been under considerable pressure at home despite leading his team to the last two European Championships, although he missed out on taking the team to the last World Cup in South Africa.
After the disappointment of the World Cup qualifiers, the former West Ham United defender was accused by national media of being too friendly with players and losing his authority.
Bilić made the announcement that he was to leave when naming a provisional 27 man squad for Euro 2012.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Modrić will captain the squad in Poland and Ukraine.
Croatia kick off against the Republic of Ireland on June 10, before taking on Italy and reigning champions Spain in a tough group.
He is the latest coach to announce he will leave after the Euros, following Dick Advocaat’s decision to relinquish the Russian hot seat.
France coach Laurent Blanc (pictured above) has also been linked heavily with a departure from the French post after less than two years in the role, with French Football Federation chief Noël le Graët non committal on his future in the post beyond this summer.
‘This is my last championship in charge,” Bilic said.
‘I leave a great team that has spent five years in the top 10, a squad that has been rejuvenated and one that could last for a long time.
“I can’t say that this side are better than in 2008, but I can say that I think I am better.”
Croatia are currently eighth in the world rankings, above Argentina and Italy.
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