Zlatko Dalic Appointed Coach of UAE National Team

The UAE Football Association has officially announced the appointment of Croatian Zlatko Dalic as the head coach of the national team, with a contract extending until 2030, succeeding Romanian Cosmin Olaroiu. Dalic aims to lead the "Whites" towards qualification for the 2030 World Cup, leveraging his extensive experience with the Croatian national team, which he guided to a runner-up finish in the 2018 World Cup and a third-place finish in 2022. The Croatian coach has prior knowledge of Emirati football, having managed Al Ain from 2014 to 2017, where he succeeded in winning both the league and cup titles, in addition to reaching the AFC Champions League final. The contract with Dalic is part of a comprehensive technical project, which also includes the appointment of his compatriot Igor Biscan as the Olympic team coach, aiming to unify the technical system and develop various Emirati national teams. Dalic's Coaching Staff: A Golden Lineup Dalic has brought along several of his prominent assistants who accompanied him during his tenure with the Croatian national team, including Vedran Corluka, the first assistant coach and former international defender for Tottenham and Croatia. The staff also includes Drazan Ladic, Croatia's historic goalkeeper from the 1998 World Cup, alongside Marian Mermic, who will be responsible for training goalkeepers and developing their technical aspects. Additionally, former Croatian goalkeeper Danijel Subasic joins the coaching staff, taking on roles related to goalkeeper development and technical and mental aspects, benefiting from his extensive international experience. Luka Milanovic will be responsible for physical preparation, while Marc Roshon will analyze performance and video to study opponents and assist the coaching staff in developing plans and strategies. The project is not limited to the coaching staff, as Croatian Branko Ivankovic serves as a special advisor to the UAE Football Association and strategic director for national teams, supporting the project at both administrative and technical levels. Dalic's first official test with the "Whites" awaits during the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, before embarking on the quest for qualification to the 2030 World Cup.