Croatia manager Slaven Bilic could be in line for a move to the Premier League after revealing that he will leave his post after the European Championships this summer. The 43-year-old has been linked with a number of English clubs throughout the years but has always remained loyal to his country. However, his decision to leave Croatia will surely catch the attention of many Premier League clubs.
Both Chelsea and West Brom are looking for new managers, while Aston Villa may also be in the mix if they opt to sack under-fire manager Alex McLeish. Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton are more unlikely options but stranger things have happened. There have also been rumours that Bilic is currently in negotiations with Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow, although these are unconfirmed.
Bilic was appointed Croatia manager in 2006 after replacing Zlatko Kranjcar at the helm. He successfully led Croatia to Euro 2008 after they won their qualification group and famously ended England’s hopes after a 3-2 win at Wembley. Bilic went on to guide his side through to the quarter-finals of the European Championships, which ended in heartbreaking fashion when they lost on penalties to Turkey. Croatia failed to qualify for World Cup 2010 but bounced-back to finish second behind Greece in qualification for Euro 2008, before going on to get revenge on Turkey by beating them in the play-offs.
Bilic is currently preparing for Euro 2012 and has just named his 27-man provisional squad. Croatia have been drawn in a difficult looking Group C along with defending champions Spain, Italy and Republic of Ireland. They kick-off against Ireland Municipal Stadium Poznan on 10th June, with Paddy Power handing them long odds of 40/1 to go on and win the tournament.
